| Jeffs Makes Another Utah Court Appearance | |
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Edward Lawrence, Reporter KLAS TV Channel 8 - Las Vegas | |
Polygamist leader Warren Jeffs made his second appearance in Utah courtroom. Again the appearance was via video conference. Jeffs was arrested two weeks near Las Vegas. The Fundamentalist LDS church leader is charged with rape as an accomplice stemming from an arranged spiritual marriage Jeffs performed between an underage girl and an older man. Warren Jeffs appeared more comfortable and sure of himself during his second appearance before Judge James Shumate. The Washington County court judge wanted to make sure Jeffs had an attorney before the court process continued with the next hearing. "Mr. Jeffs is that alright if we have a review of your case on the 27th of September at 8:30 in the morning sir," asked the judge. After his arrest in the Las Vegas area, Jeffs contacted Las Vegas attorney Richard Wright for his extradition hearing at the end of August. Wright found Salt Lake lawyers Walter Bugden and Tara Isaacson. They could not be in St. George today and asked for a delay. The judge agreed. "The state is ready to proceed with this case. We will of course allow defense counsel the time they need to be prepared," said Brian Filter, Washington County deputy district attorney. Even though Jeffs wasn't in physically in court, the police presence has been increased. The Washington County sheriff believes Warren Jeffs' followers may try to free him at some point and for that reason security has been stepped up. The judge has now set a preliminary hearing for Sept. 19th. At that time, Jeffs will physically be in the courtroom. Jeffs is currently being held in Purgatory Correctional Facility. | |
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KLASTV.com Originally broadcast September 11, 2006 | |
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