Utah ? Jurors neared a verdict before heading home Monday in the case against the leader of a polygamous sect who is accused of rape in the arranged marriage of a 14-year-old girl to her older cousin.

The jury had sent a note to the judge earlier indicating it had reached an impasse on one count against Warren Jeffs, president of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Jeffs is charged with two counts of rape as an accomplice.

Fifth District Judge James Shumate talked to attorneys on both sides, then brought jurors into the courtroom and advised them to look at their instructions and keep talking.

“Keep your minds open,” Shumate said.

Jurors ordered dinner and worked into the evening, then told the judge they had made progress and wanted to resume talks in the morning.

“They believe they are close to a verdict on both counts, but they want to sleep on it for the night,” Shumate said.