Polygamist leader Jeffs to be prosecuted in Utah first, then Arizona
 
By Ben Winslow
Deseret Morning News
 
Captured polygamist leader Warren Jeffs will be prosecuted in Utah first, the Washington County Attorney's Office said today.

After speaking with prosecutors in Mohave County, Ariz., and the U.S. Attorney's Office in Utah, deputy Washington County Attorney Jerry Jaeger told the Deseret Morning News that his office will proceed with its rape as an accomplice charges against Jeffs.

Jeffs is scheduled to appear before a judge in the Las Vegas Township Court Thursday morning to face extradition. He is currently being held in the Clark County Detention Center.

"We need to make arrangements to have him transported here safely," Jaeger said. "Once we get him here we'll have our initial appearance probably the next day."

Jeffs, 50, was arrested during a traffic stop outside Las Vegas Monday night. One of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted fugitives, he is facing criminal charges in Utah and Arizona, accusing him of forcing teenage girls into polygamous marriages with older men.

Washington County prosecutors said they intended to file a motion in St. George's 5th District Court today asking for bail to be reconsidered in their jurisdiction because Jeffs is a flight risk. Right now, bail on the first-degree felony rape as an accomplice charges is set at $500,000.

For more information, check back at our Web site.

E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com
 
deseretnews.com
Originally published Wednesday, August 30, 2006
 
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