Utah ? A polygamist church leader accused of forcing a 14-year-old girl to marry and have sex with an older cousin in 2001 was ordered Thursday to stand trial.

Warren Jeffs, 51, pleaded not guilty Thursday in state district court to two counts of rape by accomplice. The leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints could face up to life in prison if convicted. A trial was set for April 23.

Prosecutors said the girl had no choice but to obey Jeffs, whose influence over his followers has been described as extraordinary, dictating everything from where they live to whom they should marry.

The girl “expressed her disdain, reluctance, opposition and total dislike of sexual relations,” Judge James Shumate said.

Jeffs was charged with two counts because prosecutors have said they believe they can prove at least two instances of sex.