Washington, October 25 : A former polygamist has expressed her surprise at the lack of trial of female members of a Texas polygamist sect, calling them “pimps”.

Flora Jessop escaped from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who allegedly believe in having multiple wives, being self-sufficient and dressing modestly.

Her comments come after member Raymond Jessop and 11 others were due to appear for a trial following a raid by the officials at the sect’s ranch last year.

The raid revealed the private practices of the polygamous religious order near Eldorado amid allegations that the church also sanctioned underage marriage and child abuse.

Raymond, who was indicted, pleaded not guilty to claims including sexual assault, bigamy, and being married to underage girls, reports CBS News.

"Everyone (in the sect) views (Raymond) as a hero and martyr. Being on trial has not and will not hurt his image at all. All 12 of these guys are viewed that way," Flora said.

She told ‘The Early Show Saturday Edition’, “it really doesn''t" surprise her that the men are being put on trial, "because of the nature of the abuses that we''ve been talking about for years. And I''m just happy to see that they are going to trial. What I''m upset the most about, I think, is the fact that none of the women have been indicted, as well.

" ... I think that the women were nothing but pimps on that compound and giving their daughters over to these perverts knowing what was going to happen to them." (ANI)