FBI searches Leesburg for polygamous leader
 
By Martin E. Comas
Orlando Sentinel
 
LEESBURG -- The leader of a polygamous sect of the Mormon Church who is wanted by the FBI on sex-crimes charges may be in Leesburg, a bureau spokesman said Thursday.

FBI officials in Jacksonville said they received a tip that Warren Jeffs was seen in Leesburg in June, possibly accompanied by his bodyguards and some of his followers, trying to buy property.

"We haven't been able to substantiate it, but we have been looking into it," said Special Agent Jeff Westcott, an FBI spokesman in Jacksonville.

Jeffs, 49, is the self-proclaimed leader, or prophet, of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Most of the sect's estimated 10,000 followers live in the border towns of Colorado City, Ariz., and Hildale, Utah. The church also owns land in Colorado, Texas and British Columbia.

Jeffs is wanted on three charges of sexual conduct with a minor. Those charges in connection to his role within his sect allege that he performs marriages between underage girls and older men, including one several years ago between a teenage girl and a married 28-year-old man.

A wanted flier circulated by the FBI this week notes that Jeffs has not been seen by outsiders since 2004, when federal agents intensified their search. Leesburg is among a handful of places where Jeffs has been thought to be hiding.

Leesburg police Capt. Steve Rockefeller said his agency was contacted by FBI agents recently but would not comment further.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office was notified about six weeks ago that Jeffs could be in Leesburg, Sgt. Christie Mysinger said.

Jeffs is also charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Authorities in Arizona and Utah are offering a $10,000 reward in locating Jeffs.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Martin E. Comas can be reached at mcomas@orlandosentinel.com or 352-742-5927.
 
orlandosentinel.com
Originally published August 19, 2005
 
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