Secret Tapes of FLDS Leader Warren Jeffs
 As Texas authorities this week keep a close eye on the FLDS Church's new compound in Eldorado. KSL Newsradio has obtained secret recordings of the most elusive polygamist leader in Utah.
 
By Ben Winslow
KLS NewsRadio 1160
April 5, 2005 view of YFZ temple

ELDORADO, TEXAS-(KSL News) -- Secret recordings capture the voice of elusive polygamist leader Warren Jeffs.

The tapes obtained by KSL Newsradio and the Eldorado Success Newspaper paper run for hours, and cover Jeffs' preaching about everything from blacks to teenage girls and marriage.

Jeffs says, "You should be praying that you will be given to a husband who will prove faithful to the end. It is true you don't these things into your own hands, and date and seek out a husband. But the actions you must take is self-preparation."

Jeffs also speaks to women already married.

"The woman, if she is not careful will be overbearing and always ask permission for what she wants. And ladies, build up your husbands by being submissive."

Jeffs is openly racist in his preaching saying the black race was allowed on Noah's Arc.

"Because it was necessary that the devil should have a representation upon the earth, as well as God. So Ham's wife that was preserved on the Arc was a negro."

At one sermon, on August 10th 2003 Jeffs announces he's received a revelation. While it's difficult to clearly hear, Jeffs announces all priesthood appointed meetings are canceled for now on.

"For the now, and until further notice* all priesthood meetings will be canceled ... priesthood meetings, general meetings on Sundays, Monday morning meetings."

That sermon marked a dramatic change. Within weeks dozens of church members were kicked out, forced to leave their families.

"I recorded them because I didn't trust what was going on."

Among those purged was Ross Chatwin. He made the recordings by smuggling a micro-cassette recorder inside a hollowed-out Book Of Mormon and in his shoe.

"I was able to slip it in my shoe right there and that's how I did it."

KSL isn't the only ones with the tapes. Investigators in the Utah Attorney General's office have obtained them as evidence.

"We've talked to enough witnesses and people that have told about his revelations over the years, that we're not surprised by what he's saying here."

We played the tapes for Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. "If I had a case at this point, then we would be talking about arrests. But we're not there."

An FLDS Church Lawyer tells KSL he hopes people who hear the tapes take them in the context of the church's beliefs.

"Boy-oh, boy can I say he's a nut?"

We played the tapes for anti-polygamy activist Rowena Erickson. "It reminds me of how I was indoctrinated and there was a point when I really, really believed it. But then afterwards, I started to see the flaws in it."

Shurtleff says, "I wish there was some way we could take them all and say 'look, see this man for what he is, and what he is not.'"
 
radio.ksl.com
Originally broadcast April 5, 2005
 
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