FBI ups rewards for polygamous leader to $50,000
 
The Associated Press
Mainichi Daily News - Japan
 
PHOENIX -- The FBI has raised the reward for fugitive polygamous leader Warren Jeffs to $50,000 in hopes of shaking loose information that will lead to his arrest.

The FBI reward announced Tuesday is for Jeffs' capture and conviction. It is in addition to a $10,000 reward for information leading to Jeffs' arrest already offered by the attorneys general of Utah and Arizona.

"We're hoping that the additional reward money will motivate some individual who has yet to come forward to do so," said FBI Special Agent Deborah McCarley.

Jeffs heads the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, centered in Colorado City and nearby Hildale, Utah. Most of the sect's estimated 10,000 followers live there, but the church also has property in other states and Canada.

He was indicted in June in Mohave County on charges of sexual contact with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor. He later was charged in a federal arrest warrant with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Jeffs has not been seen publicly in more than a year. According to the FBI, Jeffs also has ties to Texas, Colorado, and British Columbia. They also believe he many be in the Leesburg, Florida, area, and could be traveling "with a number of loyal and armed bodyguards."

The FLDS sect splintered from the mainstream church and members believe polygamy is a protected aspect of their religion central to their salvation. (AP)
 
mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp
Originally published January 18, 2006
 
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