Warren Jeffs was the leader and "prophet" of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) and the owner of the Yearning for Zion Ranch in Texas until sentenced to prison in 2007 for rape.
Members of the FLDS church and the Yearning for Zion Ranch filed motions in March 2009 seeking to seal the abuse investigation of a 17-year-old girl. They are also requesting that any evidence seized during the raid and investigation be returned. Jeffs' attorneys are claiming that the allegation of abuse made by Rozita Swinton were false. The abuse claims made by Swinton led to the search and seizure of Zion Ranch.Deseret News: Attorneys for FLDS prophet Warren Jeffs... (April 1, 2009)
Warren Jeffs Fugitive
In May of 2006, Jeffs was added to the FBI's Most Wanted List. Jeffs fled to avoid prosecution in a case in Utah where he was accused of arranging the marriages between his adult male followers and young girls.Fox News: Fugitive Polygamist Sect Leader Arrested in Las Vegas (August 29, 2006)
Charges
Jeffs was arrested in August of 2006 in Nevada. He agreed to go back to Utah and face his charges. Arizona also charged him with eight additional counts in two separate cases in May and July of 2007. The charges included sexual conduct with minors and incest.Fox News: Fugitive Polygamist Sect Leader Arrested in Las Vegas (August 20, 2008)
Warren Jeffs Trial
The Warren Jeffs trial in St. George, Utah, began in September of 2007. The trial lasted less than a month. On September 25, Jeffs was convicted of two counts of rape as an accomplice. On November 20, 2007, Jeffs was sentenced to two consecutive prison terms of five years to life.Fox News: Jury Finds... Warren Jeffs Guilty on Sex Charges (September 25, 2007)
Sexual Assault Indictment
On July 22, 2008, Jeffs and five other men were indicted on charges related to sexual assault. Jeffs was indicted by a Texas grand jury on a charge of felony sexual assault of a child. The indictment proceedings follow the child custody case of more than 400 children taken away from the Yearning For Zion Ranch in Texas. Jeffs is currently jailed in Arizona.The Associated Press: Polygamist Sect Leader, Jeffs, 5 Others Indicted (July 22, 2008)
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References
Fast Facts
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Born
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May 2006
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Arrested
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April 4, 2008
The Yearning for Zion ranch in Texas was searched after a complaint was made to state child welfare investigatorsCBS: ...Abuse Widespread At Eldorado Ranch (December 23, 2008)
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Fact:
All children were removed from the ranch, but all but one were later returnedCBS: ...Abuse Widespread At Eldorado Ranch (December 23, 2008)
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Fact:
About 12 men at the ranch are facing charges including bigamy and sexual abuse due to the evidence found during the raidCBS: ...Abuse Widespread At Eldorado Ranch (December 23, 2008)
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Official Title
President and Prophet, Seer and Revelator
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Fact:
