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Jeffs, Sect Members Face Sex Charges

Polygamist leader, 4 others accused of assaulting young girls

By Laurel Jorgensen,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 22, 2008 9:27 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs and four members of the Texas ranch raided by authorities in April now face charges of sexually abusing girls under the age of 17, the Houston Chronicle reports. One of those indicted also is charged with bigamy, and a sixth person is accused of failure to report child abuse. A Texas grand jury handed down the charges today after two days of considering the state’s evidence.

“The indictments issued today are part of an ongoing and continuing investigation," said the Texas attorney general. "There will be an aggressive attempt to apprehend them.” Jeffs is currently jailed in Arizona on separate charges and may face extradition. At the courthouse today, women with braided hair and long dresses filed in and out of the grand jury room. "They're all taking the fifth," said a male sect member.

A member of the FLDS looks on as others chat with reporters on the premises of the Yearning For Zion ranch in Eldorado, Texas, Monday, April 14, 2008.
A member of the FLDS looks on as others chat with reporters on the premises of the Yearning For Zion ranch in Eldorado, Texas, Monday, April 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
This undated booking file photo provided by the Mohave County Sheriff's Office shows polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs in Arizona.
This undated booking file photo provided by the Mohave County Sheriff's Office shows polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs in Arizona.   (AP Photo)
In this file photo taken inside the very private polygamous ranch, Monica, a member of the FLDS Yearning For Zion community, talks about not being able to see her children.
In this file photo taken inside the very private polygamous ranch, "Monica," a member of the FLDS Yearning For Zion community, talks about not being able to see her children.   (AP Photo/Keith Johnson)
In this Dec. 14, 2006 file photo, Warren Jeffs looks across the courtroom during his preliminary hearing in St. George, Utah.
In this Dec. 14, 2006 file photo, Warren Jeffs looks across the courtroom during his preliminary hearing in St. George, Utah.   (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)
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How diaries and dictations could affect the case
Deseret News (Salt Lake)

Jeffs hospitalized briefly earlier this month
Associated Press

 
child abuse • sexual abuse • polygamy • Warren Jeffs • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints • Eldorado • polygamists

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