4 Incest Charges Against Warren Jeffs Dropped by Arizona Judge

[Roamer]

http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/wireStory?id=5003713


Arizona judge drops 4 incest charges against polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs

By AMANDA LEE MYERS Associated Press Writer
KINGMAN, Ariz. June 5, 2008 (AP)

Jeffs, head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is charged with two counts of rape as an accomplice for allegedly coercing the marriage and rape of a 14-year-old follower to her 19-year-old cousin in 2001.

Arizona judge dropped four of eight charges against Warren Jeffs, even as authorities in Texas looked into whether the polygamist sect leader had relationships with four girls at the west Texas ranch raided in April.

Mohave County Superior Court Judge Steven Conn dismissed the charges at the request of the defense, finding that a state incest law does not apply to the arranged marriages of two teenage girls and their older male relatives.

Conn ruled the law only applies if both participants in the sexual activity are older than 18, and that the law does not apply to half cousins.

In both of the marriages Jeffs is accused of arranging, the girls were under 18 and were their husbands' half cousins. He was charged with incest as an accomplice.

Prosecutors said the law could lead to absurd results, such as an uncle having sex with two nieces, one younger and one older than 18, and being subject to harsher punishments for his conduct with the older one.

But the judge said the statute's language was clear and unambiguous, leaving no room for interpretation.

"We're obviously very pleased with the court's ruling," Jeffs' attorney, Mike Piccarreta, told The Associated Press. "You can see we've chopped these things down considerably."


In his ruling, Conn wrote that Arizona's incest law initially was enacted without reference to participants' ages. In 1985, it was amended to apply only to people who were 15 years or older, and in 1998, it was changed to its present form, applying only to those 18 or older.

Conn also wrote that because the incest law specifically mentions half brothers and sisters, it arguably excludes all other relationships of the half blood by not mentioning them.

Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith, the prosecutor in the Arizona case against Jeffs, did not return a call or e-mail request for comment Wednesday evening.

If convicted of all charges, Jeffs could face anywhere from probation to eight years in prison.

Before the incest charges were dropped Wednesday and two others were dropped in March, Jeffs faced up to 27 years in prison.

[LiveLaughLuv]

Conn ruled the law only applies if both participants in the sexual activity are older than 18, and that the law does not apply to half cousins.

In both of the marriages Jeffs is accused of arranging, the girls were under 18 and were their husbands' half cousins. He was charged with incest as an accomplice.

Prosecutors said the law could lead to absurd results, such as an uncle having sex with two nieces, one younger and one older than 18, and being subject to harsher punishments for his conduct with the older one.

But the judge said the statute's language was clear and unambiguous, leaving no room for interpretation.

In his ruling, Conn wrote that Arizona's incest law initially was enacted without reference to participants' ages. In 1985, it was amended to apply only to people who were 15 years or older, and in 1998, it was changed to its present form, applying only to those 18 or older.

Conn also wrote that because the incest law specifically mentions half brothers and sisters, it arguably excludes all other relationships of the half blood by not mentioning them.

:madranting94dp: That ruling and law are absurd. I say it is ambiguous, not very clear, cut and dry! ABSURD!!!!

So, anyone can commit incest with a young girl as young as 14, and it doesn't count! It also doesn't count if it is a half-relative!

I think Texas needs to take a look at the way the laws are written in that state. How does a pedophile get away with this. Defense attorney's are always finding loopholes, letting the perp get away with their crimes. I just don't get it. I never will understand how they sleep at night knowing their client is guilty, but a technicality gets them off. :45024:

[johnielee333]

i just cant believe this !!!!!!!! :madranting94dp::shock:
this is sickning !!!!!!!!! :mad::45024:

[grammybears]

I had read about this earlier and my first thought was I had read it wrong, but nope I read it right. The law seems very backwords to me. If they have to be 18 what kind of charges are for under 18. This does not seem right.

But after all consideration Jeffs still have got to answer to the feds and I am sure we are going to see some charges coming out of Texas.

I just cannot comprehend the thinking about these kind of cases and the judges who let these perps walk. Isn't this the same judge who gave a man 45 days or something like that?

jmoo

[johnielee333]

they need to change this law. :madranting94dp:

[johnielee333]

that judge is probably a FLDS member.

[awakening2lite]

Here's the Az statute on incest:

Arizona
§ 13-3608. Incest; classification
Persons who are eighteen or more years of age and are within the degrees of
consanguinity within which marriages are declared by law to be incestuous and void,
who knowingly intermarry with each other, or who knowingly commit fornication or
adultery with each other are guilty of a class 4 felony.

source: http://209.85.215.104/search?q=cache:F7NXZqz1GdcJ:www.ndaa.org/pdf/ncpca_statute_incest_july_06.pdf+arizona,+incest+s tatute&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a


Is it the Judge's opinion that both people have to be 18 and consent to an act of incest?

[grammybears]

I am not sure where this judge is coming from with his rule but it does not sound right. He may very well be flds. Who knows?
I wonder if these charges were dropped because the victims did not want to testify. Any thing is possible, and the control that Jeffs had over these people may be why these charges were dropped. Aren't there still four charges against him?

[Walton]

I had read about this earlier and my first thought was I had read it wrong, but nope I read it right. The law seems very backwords to me. If they have to be 18 what kind of charges are for under 18. This does not seem right.

But after all consideration Jeffs still have got to answer to the feds and I am sure we are going to see some charges coming out of Texas.

I just cannot comprehend the thinking about these kind of cases and the judges who let these perps walk. Isn't this the same judge who gave a man 45 days or something like that?

jmoo

http://www.childbrides.org/arizona_KDM_convict_on_trial.html
Kelly Fischer and David Bateman were found guilty by jury trials. Mohave County Judge Steven F. Conn sentenced Fischer to three years probation and 45 days in jail, while Mohave County Judge James E. Chavez sentenced Bateman to nine months in prison.

http://blogs.sltrib.com/plurallife/archives/2006_08_01_archive.htm

But, Conn said, he personally finds polygamy an "abominable" belief. "I find it very hard to accept [that] someone can subscribe to a religion that allows them to have multiple wives at the same time," Conn said.
He then admitted he has a hard time with some other religions' tenets, too.
Muslims, for instance.
"I am not sure that I understand certain Muslim philosophies that would allow a person to do things that may be unacceptable to society and you're guaranteed to go to Paradise and be greeted by 70 or 80 or whatever the number is of virgins that will be available to them," Conn said.
And Catholics.
"One could even argue that I may find it hard to accept as a premise that one could go into a church and eat a piece of bread and drink some wine and, because there's a person who recites something in Latin, that is transformed into the body and the blood of someone who died 2,000 years ago," the judge said. "That's an interesting concept that I find hard to accept as a religious premise."



What Judge F. Conn fails to realize is that the other Religious "tenets" is that they are not illegal.

[Details]

The judge is right - he has to rule on what the law says. It's the law that is wrong. I think it assumes the penalty for underage sex is sufficiently worse than the penalty for incest that it doesn't matter - you don't charge someone for breaking and entering when you can charge them for bank robbery, for example. It shouldn't omit that case, the penalty should be worse for it.

[grammybears]

they need to change this law. :madranting94dp:
Yes they do need to change the laws.

[cogito]

http://www.childbrides.org/arizona_KDM_convict_on_trial.html
Kelly Fischer and David Bateman were found guilty by jury trials. Mohave County Judge Steven F. Conn sentenced Fischer to three years probation and 45 days in jail, while Mohave County Judge James E. Chavez sentenced Bateman to nine months in prison.

http://blogs.sltrib.com/plurallife/archives/2006_08_01_archive.htm





What Judge F. Conn fails to realize is that the other Religious "tenets" is that they are not illegal.

blowing people up isn't illegal?

It's not illegal, by the way, for a man to live with more than one woman in a conjugal sense. It is only illegal if one goes before the government and officially takes out a marriage license while he is currently licensed in a marriage to someone else. The FLDS have figured that out. I doubt you will find more than one marriage license per man in that group. Whatever else they do, as long as it is with people who are of consenting age is perfectly legal and none of anyone else's business.

[Walton]

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=3202636

The adult sons of Ross LeBaron, Jr. accuse him of fathering several children with his own daughter because of his beliefs about the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. LeBaron denies the accusations, but his sons say they've collected DNA evidence to back up their claims of incest.

David Uri LeBaron, the son of Ross LeBbaron, Jr., says, "We've done DNA testing. We know what's going on, and we're here to find a way to put an end to it."

The three sons say Ross LeBaron is a polygamist and may have spiritually married his own daughter, their sister. They're convinced he impregnated her four times because of a fundamentalist belief called the "pure seed doctrine." They're going public because they're worried that Utah incest law may prevent anyone involved from being prosecuted.

[lyndawitha"y]

blowing people up isn't illegal?

It's not illegal, by the way, for a man to live with more than one woman in a conjugal sense. It is only illegal if one goes before the government and officially takes out a marriage license while he is currently licensed in a marriage to someone else. The FLDS have figured that out. I doubt you will find more than one marriage license per man in that group. Whatever else they do, as long as it is with people who are of consenting age is perfectly legal and none of anyone else's business.

I think the point is not.. Having Sex with Mulitple women, but is the age factor and probably the inter-mingling of same family (underage-or adult) members..Is there not laws against incestual relationships..I think is based on gene pooling that is medically proven to lead to the exhibiting of bad genes and genetic defects.

Please, correct me if I am wrong, but going by the laws also depends on the particular interpretation of the law..If these judges are anything like Doctors..they often disagree about the interpretations..:0doh:

[Walton]

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=3208732

Eyewitness News broke the story last night, and today there are new developments. There's already new incest legislation in the works. A state senator wants to change a law because some believe the current law would be difficult to use in the LeBaron situation. But some say authorities should have moved on the family a long time ago.

Three grown sons of Ross LeBaron Jr. believe he, and perhaps their older brother, fathered five children with their two sisters. They say LeBaron believes incest protects his pure seed and will lead to the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. Elend LeBaron said, "And my dad is clearly trying to argue that these children are the result of artificial insemination. First of all, I don't believe that's true. And secondly, even if it were, it doesn't change the fact that half the children statistically are going to have birth defects."




Ross LeBaron is the uncle to Laurie Allen. She spoke of him in the film Banking on Heaven: http://bankingonheaven.com/

[awakening2lite]

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=3202636

The adult sons of Ross LeBaron, Jr. accuse him of fathering several children with his own daughter because of his beliefs about the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. LeBaron denies the accusations, but his sons say they've collected DNA evidence to back up their claims of incest.

David Uri LeBaron, the son of Ross LeBbaron, Jr., says, "We've done DNA testing. We know what's going on, and we're here to find a way to put an end to it."

The three sons say Ross LeBaron is a polygamist and may have spiritually married his own daughter, their sister. They're convinced he impregnated her four times because of a fundamentalist belief called the "pure seed doctrine." They're going public because they're worried that Utah incest law may prevent anyone involved from being prosecuted.


Utah Code §76-7-102
76-7-102. Incest.
(1) A person is guilty of incest when, under circumstances not amounting to rape, rape of a child or aggravated sexual assault, he has sexual intercourse with a person whom he knows to be an ancestor, descendant, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, or first cousin. The relationships referred to herein include blood relationships of the whole or half blood without regard to legitimacy, relationship of parent and child by adoption, and relationship of stepparent and stepchild while the marriage creating the relationship of a stepparent and stepchild exists.
(2) Incest is a felony of the third degree.

----------------
I don't understand how the Utah incest law would prevent him from being prosecuted.

[Walton]

Utah Code §76-7-102
76-7-102. Incest.
(1) A person is guilty of incest when, under circumstances not amounting to rape, rape of a child or aggravated sexual assault, he has sexual intercourse with a person whom he knows to be an ancestor, descendant, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, or first cousin. The relationships referred to herein include blood relationships of the whole or half blood without regard to legitimacy, relationship of parent and child by adoption, and relationship of stepparent and stepchild while the marriage creating the relationship of a stepparent and stepchild exists.
(2) Incest is a felony of the third degree.

----------------
I don't understand how the Utah incest law would prevent him from being prosecuted.

I don't understand it either. Something else I don't understand is how this can go on for years and nothing is done. Lets just say that that the laws were as such years ago. Why wouldn't they have changed them?

Ross LeBaron is only one of many. I really think that if all this was happening in my community there would be outrage amongst the community. We would do everything in our power to make sure the laws would stop this from happening.

[lyndawitha"y]

I don't understand it either. Something else I don't understand is how this can go on for years and nothing is done. Lets just say that that the laws were as such years ago. Why wouldn't they have changed them?

Ross LeBaron is only one of many. I really think that if all this was happening in my community there would be outrage amongst the community. We would do everything in our power to make sure the laws would stop this from happening.

i hate to say this..there are laws that cover alot of the issues of FLDS misdeed ( not meant to understate)..but they (Jeffs or others) must have some political pull to get away with it..people getting bought off, LE personnel who look the other way (have heard stories about that)..and evidence go missing, people (complaintents) go missing..or just run away..cause they know no one will help them!

This whole issue is just a symptom of how the system enables some and condems others...sure gets me a thinkin!

:45024::lex_10::6u8ky2o:

[Jute]

i hate to say this..there are laws that cover alot of the issues of FLDS misdeed ( not meant to understate)..but they (Jeffs or others) must have some political pull to get away with it..people getting bought off, LE personnel who look the other way (have heard stories about that)..and evidence go missing, people (complaintents) go missing..or just run away..cause they know no one will help them!

This whole issue is just a symptom of how the system enables some and condems others...sure gets me a thinkin!

:45024::lex_10::6u8ky2o:

This article is from 2006 but it lists a number of officials who overlooked the illegal behaviors of the group in Arizona City.

http://www.rickross.com/reference/polygamy/polygamy469.html


Here's another article-from 2007.

Colorado City police torn between religion and law
The Arizona Republic/August 9, 2007
By Dennis Wagner
Colorado City -- One by one, police officers in Colorado City are being stripped of their law-enforcement certification because they cannot serve two masters: a polygamous church and their oath to uphold the law.

In a police department normally staffed with just six full-time officers, four have lost their badges in recent years. Two more, including town Marshal Fred Barlow, are awaiting decertification rulings from the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, or Arizona POST.

All the ousted officers belong to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a sect that teaches salvation is attained through plural marriage. Authorities from Utah and Arizona have cracked down on FLDS child marriages and fraud in this isolated red-rock country. Warren Jeffs, church president and prophet, garnered most of the news coverage as a federal fugitive charged with acting as an accomplice to child rape. Now in custody, he is awaiting trial in September.

By contrast, the policing woes in this community of 6,000 attracted little attention, even as the standards board began moving against some deputy marshals. Some officers were decertified after admitting bigamy. Others failed to assist in the nationwide manhunt for Jeffs or allowed looting by FLDS church crews.

"How many police departments, even large police departments, do you know that have had this many officers decertified for misconduct?" asked Gary Engels, a Mohave County investigator assigned to the town. "It's gotta scream to the people in charge that there's something wrong here." ....

'Everybody...is related'
Last names suggest the insular nature of life in Colorado City: Most of the lawmen who have faced Arizona decertification hearings are named Barlow.

During one deposition, when Fred Barlow was asked if Deputy Micah Barlow was related to a church official named Dowayne Barlow, the marshal said, "I suppose. Everybody around here is related."

The other common denominator is a conflict between religion and the constitutional oath of sworn peace officers. Under questioning by state officials last year, Fred Barlow asserted that Colorado City is locked in "a religious battle" with government. He complained that investigators violated his First Amendment rights by asking questions about his faith. He agonized about being torn between constitutional and spiritual duties.

Investigator: "If you saw Warren Jeffs come in this town (as a fugitive) today, what would you do?"

Barlow: "I'm not gonna answer that question. . . . I don't think I should answer any questions about my religion."

Investigator: "What if Warren Jeffs gave you direction not to do something that you had to do by law?"

Barlow: "I don't believe that, uh, you should put me in a position . . . where I have to choose between my church and my job."

By appearances, Barlow made that choice last year in a letter written to Jeffs while the prophet was on the lam:

"Dear Uncle Warren: I would first like to acknowledge you as the one man that was and is called of God to stand at the head of his priesthood and the Kingdom of God on earth in this day and time. I rejoice in the peace that comes over me when I follow the directives that you have sent to me. . . .

"I love you and acknowledge you as my priesthood head. And I know that you have the right to rule in all aspects of my live (sic)."

It was signed, "Your servant, Fred J. Barlow Jeffs."

Barlow told investigators he would alienate the residents of Colorado City if he helped track down Warren Jeffs.

"The community honors and respects him. And for us to go looking for him, particularly for him, would be very detrimental to my job," Barlow explained. "The community would not accept me anymore."

http://www.rickross.com/reference/polygamy/polygamy680.html

[johnielee333]

i hate to say this..there are laws that cover alot of the issues of FLDS misdeed ( not meant to understate)..but they (Jeffs or others) must have some political pull to get away with it..people getting bought off, LE personnel who look the other way (have heard stories about that)..and evidence go missing, people (complaintents) go missing..or just run away..cause they know no one will help them!

This whole issue is just a symptom of how the system enables some and condems others...sure gets me a thinkin!

:45024::lex_10::6u8ky2o:

yes & the whole thing is sick.

[London Lass]

:madranting94dp:

[Walton]

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=124782 This is from 2005

Judge Walter Steed, Polygamist: "Which is worse, a monogamist that doesn't monog or a polygamist that really polygs? Do you think there are other judges breaking the law?"

A judge with three wives is fighting to keep his job. The Utah Supreme Court is faced with a decision: can a practicing polygamist sit on the bench in judgment of others? Judge Walter Steed has been on the bench for a quarter of a century and for all that time he's also been a polygamist.

[lyndawitha"y]

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=124782 This is from 2005

Judge Walter Steed, Polygamist: "Which is worse, a monogamist that doesn't monog or a polygamist that really polygs? Do you think there are other judges breaking the law?"

A judge with three wives is fighting to keep his job. The Utah Supreme Court is faced with a decision: can a practicing polygamist sit on the bench in judgment of others? Judge Walter Steed has been on the bench for a quarter of a century and for all that time he's also been a polygamist.

I certainly don't wish to come to the defense of a judge who is a bonifide Polygamist...But Polygamy is not the issue..it is the wholesale abuse of kids, families and pedophilia..under the FLDS headline...but in a sense this judge seems to have a conflict of interest sitting in judgement of anyone who has similar/same beliefs...Just doesn't sit right with me. In that this judge lives in violations of the laws of that State...really does boggle my mind...Maybe FLDS has something on this guy..who knows..But just maybe that women Judge in Texas, has more of an understanding as to what is of issue..For me it it not Polygamy..but holding hostage a group of human beings who have no thoughts other than what has been preached from the "Tape Recorder"..Not even a pulpit..Such a sad state of affairs!:z0tdntknw:

:zm1::groan::duh:

[awakening2lite]

This is from the desk of the Utah Attorney General, Mark Shurtelff:

Polygamy

Polygamy is illegal in Utah and forbidden by the Arizona constitution. However, law enforcement agencies in both states have decided to focus on crimes within polygamous communities that involve child abuse, domestic violence and fraud. The Utah Attorney General's Office and the Arizona Attorney General's Office also worked together to produce "The Primer---Helping Victims of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse in Polygamous Communities." This manual provides basic information about various polygamous communities that will assist human services professionals, law enforcement officers and others in helping victims from these communities. The Primer will be updated regularly to reflect modifications in the law and changes in each organization's beliefs and practices. Click here to read or print the latest PDF version of The Primer.

If you are a victim of domestic violence or abuse and need immediate help, please call Utah's free, confidential Linkline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465).

Safety Net Committee

The Safety Net Committee began in 2003 and currently holds monthly meetings in Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah, Colorado City, Arizona and Creston, British Columbia. Government agencies, non-profits and interested individuals work together to insure that people associated with the practice of polygamy have the same educational opportunities and access to justice, safety and services as the general public. This is done through a coordinated effort to open communication, break down barriers and accomplish these original goals: provide training and develop materials for public awareness; reduce isolation, secrecy, abuses of power and crime; and find ways to provide access and education to members of polygamous communities. More information can be found in The Primer.

The Safety Net Directory - Agencies and Organizations Helping Victims of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse in Polygamous Communities (pdf) - produced by the Arizona Attorney General's office.

Safe Passage Grant - The Utah Attorney General's Office is also a partner with the Safe Passage Grant, a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women that provides resources to victims of domestic violence from polygamous communities. The grant offers money for housing, legal help, transportation, social workers, law enforcement officers and a public awareness campaign. The grant has paid to produce these Safe Passage Newsletters that are being distributed to people living in polygamous communities.

source: http://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/polygamy.html

[Walton]

I certainly don't wish to come to the defense of a judge who is a bonifide Polygamist...But Polygamy is not the issue..it is the wholesale abuse of kids, families and pedophilia..under the FLDS headline...but in a sense this judge seems to have a conflict of interest sitting in judgement of anyone who has similar/same beliefs...Just doesn't sit right with me. In that this judge lives in violations of the laws of that State...really does boggle my mind...Maybe FLDS has something on this guy..who knows..But just maybe that women Judge in Texas, has more of an understanding as to what is of issue..For me it it not Polygamy..but holding hostage a group of human beings who have no thoughts other than what has been preached from the "Tape Recorder"..Not even a pulpit..Such a sad state of affairs!:z0tdntknw:

:zm1::groan::duh:


And if that Judge has learned his lifestyle from those very same tapes I would say that Polygamy is an issue. jmo Can't get to the highest seat in heaven if they don't have 3 wives.

Those people that have tried to get out were returned by Warrenite cops, if those women ever had to stand before a Warrenite Judge what chance do you suppose they would have?

There are other crimes within the Polygamy issue that might be "easier" to prosecute but why allow the victims to be victimized to that point?

When these light sentences of 1 day, 45 days, a spanking here and there it leaves little room for the victim to ask for help. jmo

[awakening2lite]

And if that Judge has learned his lifestyle from those very same tapes I would say that Polygamy is an issue. jmo Can't get to the highest seat in heaven if they don't have 3 wives.

Those people that have tried to get out were returned by Warrenite cops, if those women ever had to stand before a Warrenite Judge what chance do you suppose they would have?

There are other crimes within the Polygamy issue that might be "easier" to prosecute but why allow the victims to be victimized to that point?

When these light sentences of 1 day, 45 days, a spanking here and there it leaves little room for the victim to ask for help. jmo

Any Judge committing crimes, whether or not they are prosecuted, should be removed from office. IMO

Is he still an acting Judge?

Interesting the DA in Utah openly states they will not be prosecuting all the laws of the state.

[Jute]

Any Judge committing crimes, whether or not they are prosecuted, should be removed from office. IMO

Is he still an acting Judge?

Interesting the DA in Utah openly states they will not be prosecuting all the laws of the state.

He is still an acting judge and I can't believe what he said in the article that Walton posted!

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=124782

Colin Winchester, Attorney for Judicial Conduct Commission: "A judge who does not follow the law and live his life above repute, both professionally and personally, makes the judiciary as a whole look bad, people lose respect for the judicial branch."

Judge Steed was in attendance as the Supreme Court took up his case. He acknowledges three wives, one civil, two spiritual. He argues a constitutional right to follow the teachings of Joseph Smith.

Judge Walter Steed, Polygamist: "If that's a law that has to be lived to receive the highest degree of glory in the celestial kingdom, then it ought to be legal."

In the hearing justices seemed skeptical that a judge can sit comfortably on the bench as a lawbreaker, even one with good intentions.

Justice Ronald E. Nehring, Utah Supreme Court: "Can a judge be civilly disobedient without putting his judicial office at risk?"

Rodney Parker, Attorney for Judge Steed: "Judges, I think, have constitutional rights the same as all citizens have constitutional rights."

Colin Winchester: "Even if the supreme court says, 'you're right, Judge Steed, you do have a constitutional right,' that doesn't make a difference. Because he's a judge he's bound by the code of judicial conduct. There are all sorts of behaviors that are constitutionally protected for you and me, that judge's don't get to play in."

Judge Steed was asked what he'd do if he had to choose between his part-time judgeship or his plural wives.

Judge Walter Steed: "That wouldn't be a very hard decision. I would certainly sacrifice the $400 a month."

:shock:

[Jute]

I was wrong-Steed is no longer in office. I don't know the date on this article-it was only available through google cache.


With Fundamentalist LDS Church leader Warren Jeffs on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, criminal investigations under way by authorities in Utah and Arizona, a national media feeding frenzy over all things polygamy and a TV show such as HBO's "Big Love," plural marriage is sitting under a very hot spotlight.
A recent Utah Supreme Court ruling that clears the way for prosecutors to go after polygamists under the state's bigamy statute has only served to turn up the heat.

"I have started to be a little concerned about that," said one polygamist man, who asked the Deseret Morning News not to identify him out of fear of criminal prosecution. He lives in the Salt Lake Valley with his five wives.

The Utah Supreme Court ruling couldn't come at a worse time for those who practice plural marriage. The state's high court already booted from the bench Hildale municipal court judge Walter Steed for having multiple wives. Before that, the Utah Supreme Court had upheld polygamist Tom Green's conviction of bigamy, criminal non-support and child rape, for taking a 13-year-old girl as one of his wives.

As a Hildale police officer, Rodney Holm had taken an oath to uphold the laws and the Utah Constitution, which unlike other state constitutions, contains a specific ban on polygamy. So when Holm was charged with bigamy and unlawful sex with a 16-year-old, it sent shockwaves.


http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:KtXFCum3RioJ:deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635209233,00.html+FLDS+Judge+Walter+Steed&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us

[StoneFox]

Any Judge committing crimes, whether or not they are prosecuted, should be removed from office. IMO

Is he still an acting Judge?

Interesting the DA in Utah openly states they will not be prosecuting all the laws of the state.

IMO, it is time for the polygamist to lose their grip on the governments in Utah and Arizona. I am hopeful Texas has opened their eyes a little. Texas is going forward with criminal charges. I also read where BC is picking up their pursuit against polygamy. So, even if the kids had to be returned, Texas did the right thing by bringing the public's attention to this cult known as FLDS.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/04/national/main4155318.shtml

The members of a polygamist sect raided by authorities two months ago have their children back, but with a criminal investigation looming, the sect's troubles may not be over.

"There have been criminal problems located out there," said Schleicher County Sheriff David Doran, who was with state troopers and child welfare authorities when they raided Yearning For Zion Ranch in west Texas on April 3.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and the attorney general's office have taken over the criminal investigation at the request of authorities in the rural ranching community. While they confirm they are investigating, neither will say how long the investigation may take.

[Cat]

I am reading a very interesting book right now about Joseph Smith. It is No man knows my history, by Fawn M. Brodie, c. 1945. This was very well researched. She looked at and quoted tons of documents and quoted accounts by Joseph's neighbors, his first wife, etc. Actually, it is amazing. I was open-mouthed about the theories that were had by supposed scholars in those days. The popular belief was that Native Americans were derived from the Jewish tribes. That is where Joseph got that, and then he made up the rest of the baloney. He would have been a great fiction writer, because that is what he wrote. I highly recommend reading this book. I had to order it through Interlibrary Loan because it is so old. It was worth the wait though. I was going to start with one chapter last night and ended up reading almost a 100 pages. It has complete references, and it lists 45 (supposed) wives of Joseph Smith.

[StoneFox]

I am reading a very interesting book right now about Joseph Smith. It is No man knows my history, by Fawn M. Brodie, c. 1945. This was very well researched. She looked at and quoted tons of documents and quoted accounts by Joseph's neighbors, his first wife, etc. Actually, it is amazing. I was open-mouthed about the theories that were had by supposed scholars in those days. The popular belief was that Native Americans were derived from the Jewish tribes. That is where Joseph got that, and then he made up the rest of the baloney. He would have been a great fiction writer, because that is what he wrote. I highly recommend reading this book. I had to order it through Interlibrary Loan because it is so old. It was worth the wait though. I was going to start with one chapter last night and ended up reading almost a 100 pages. It has complete references, and it lists 45 (supposed) wives of Joseph Smith.

Thanks for the recommendation Cat!! I'll be getting it too.

[Cat]

You're welcome, Katie. From the book: Although Joseph Smith was known as a great debater, he could not write. That is why his friend took transcription. I wonder why this was never mentioned. I guess at that time a lot of people could not write, but I just was surprised.

[Frankie Bones]

Warren Jeffs was just found convulsing in his cell. (According to Fox News Network)

[Roamer]

I heard this morning that he was in the hospital, but they didn't say why.

[Frankie Bones]

I heard this morning that he was in the hospital, but they didn't say why.


Hi, Roamer,
I think that maybe Greta or Nancy caught wind of it and will mention it tonight.

There's not been much in the papers yet.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jDCqCmFPcSUkTXxaPC6InKcvgYBwD91QH7HO0

[Details]

I'm going to go with a suicide attempt - he poisoned himself with some cleanser. He's tried it before.

[lotty]

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jDCqCmFPcSUkTXxaPC6InKcvgYBwD91QO8480
Police: Warren Jeffs released from Vegas hospital
By KEN RITTER – 2 hours ago

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs was released from a Nevada hospital Wednesday, a day after he was found "convulsive," weak and feverish in an Arizona jail cell, a sheriff's spokeswoman said.

[grammybears]

Gee that did not take him very long to get well. When I had heard the same thing happened on the case in Utah it sure makes me wonder. I would sure like to be a fly on the wall in his cell.

[Roamer]

The first thing I thought when I heard he was in the hospital was he'd try to make an escape. Glad he didn't make it.

[LiveLaughLuv]

Utah court documents show that Jeffs lost 30 pounds in jail awaiting trial in St. George, Utah, and that he was hospitalized for treatment of a self-imposed fast, dehydration and sleep deprivation.

A clinical social worker who interviewed Jeffs in April 2007 reported that Jeffs attempted to hang himself in January 2007 at the Washington County jail, and was seen several days later throwing himself against walls and banging his head.

This man is nuts, no doubt about it. His attempts at suicide failed, I guess he didn't try hard enough.

[lotty]

Warren Jeffs is supposed to have a hearing tomorrow in Kingman at 1:30. I wonder if this was a delay tactic?

[Roamer]

This man is nuts, no doubt about it. His attempts at suicide failed, I guess he didn't try hard enough.

I really don't think he tried to kill himself. Concoct sympathy, or some other reason, but he loves himself too much to kill himself, IMO.

[Roux]

Warren Jeffs is supposed to have a hearing tomorrow in Kingman at 1:30. I wonder if this was a delay tactic?

Could very well be a delay tactic. I hope they have him on suicide watch, although I agree that his psyche seems not to be the type. However if he were to commit suicide, he would become a martyr and that would be a VERY bad thing.

[lotty]

Could very well be a delay tactic. I hope they have him on suicide watch, although I agree that his psyche seems not to be the type. However if he were to commit suicide, he would become a martyr and that would be a VERY bad thing.

ITA! Too much power and control to give up, but I also think he does not have the constitution to handle the consequences of his actions. Any faithful followers in the court room are not going to believe one negative thing about him, however the Merrills, Wendalls & Willies, that is something else entirely. Talk about having the tables turned, all of the men he kicked out because of their dirty little secrets, made to repent from afar. Now it is Warren's turn in a sense. I think the stress of the truth being known by the outside world makes him physically ill.

[Details]

He's a god on his own planet when he dies - and he's pretty mentally unstable from all I've read anyway. I can see suicide.

[lotty]

Great job on getting everything up and running!

While the hacker was trying to make a mess of things, I had some time to think.

I wonder if anyone has visited Warren recently, pre-hospital stay?

[Cat]

Ladies, you might want to put up a link thread here just in case.

Good morning! Nice to have you here.

[Roux]

Didn't Warren have some type of hearing on the 11th, a couple of days after his mystery illness? Does anyone know what came of that?

[grammybears]

I have not read any thing in regards to his trial. It may have been delayed, who knows? I an sure that Jeffs used this illness to avoid the trial. He pulled this before and I do not think this is beneath him. I think he went to the hospital after the raid in Texas and he had to give a DNA to Texas authorities to test. I think after that he started planning his illness. I know his followers did not believe he had done any of those things that he was found guilty because of proof of his actions. I think these people think that he was convicted wrongly and they will probably continue to have this belief. I also have to wonder if he will try to commit suicide and become a martyr. He has had tendency to replicate Joseph Smith. A lot of people can see what he is and do not believe a word he says.

Has anybody seen anything except for pictures of Jeffs in those wedding pictures with those 2 twelve year old girls.

It just upsets me the way he has controlled these people and his demand to complete obedience to his rules. Nobody should have this much control over a large group of people.

I will have to go back and add the link here. But it said the senate is going to investigate more into this group.

Other then that I have not read anything new on these cases.

jmo

[lotty]

Warren Jeffs' omnibus hearing was delayed due to a jury trial that was taking longer than expected, in Judge Conn's court (pretty sure it was Judge Conn.) I have yet to see a new date set for the hearing.

[Cat]

He has had tendency to replicate Joseph Smith. A lot of people can see what he is and do not believe a word he says.

Except, a lot of people actually LIKED Joseph Smith according to the book I read about him. Everyone feared and hated Jeffs.

It just upsets me the way he has controlled these people and his demand to complete obedience to his rules. Nobody should have this much control over a large group of people.

Grammy, I agree with you wholeheartedly on that.

[Cat]

Warren Jeffs' omnibus hearing was delayed due to a jury trial that was taking longer than expected, in Judge Conn's court (pretty sure it was Judge Conn.) I have yet to see a new date set for the hearing.

Thanks, lotty. Nice to see you and grammy here. I was Cat2007 at other place (didn't post much, but always read your posts). :0012:

[Roux]

Hi Cat,
I was at the library yesterday looking at several books on Joseph Smith. One of them was a very thick book about his wives. I think a poster mentioned it but can't remember who or when. Didn't check it out but maybe I will. Am still waiting for Under the Banner of Heaven; it's extremely in demand. Many of the books on Smith, Morman faith are not objective enough, IMO. I want the truth, not something rubber-stamped by Mormon hierarchy.

[lotty]

Thanks, lotty. Nice to see you and grammy here. I was Cat2007 at other place (didn't post much, but always read your posts). :0012:

Thanks Cat! It is always good "to see familiar names." :happy0207:

[Cat]

Hi Cat,
I was at the library yesterday looking at several books on Joseph Smith. One of them was a very thick book about his wives. I think a poster mentioned it but can't remember who or when. Didn't check it out but maybe I will. Am still waiting for Under the Banner of Heaven; it's extremely in demand. Many of the books on Smith, Morman faith are not objective enough, IMO. I want the truth, not something rubber-stamped by Mormon hierarchy.

I know what you mean, Roux. This book, darn I can't remember title, was very objective. She was a historian, it was copywrite 1935, and she was balanced and had many, many references. I got the book through interlibrary loan. I will try to go search it out for you. The book I got was from a university and in pitiful shape, but very interesting reading. I posted about it at IS, but you must have missed it, as it was months ago (and now it's gone).

[Cat]

Thanks Cat! It is always good "to see familiar names." :happy0207:
You're welcome. I wish we could keep this forum going over here this time. I think a "few posters" haven't discovered it yet, if you know what I mean. :happy0158:

[Roux]

I know what you mean, Roux. This book, darn I can't remember title, was very objective. She was a historian, it was copywrite 1935, and she was balanced and had many, many references. I got the book through interlibrary loan. I will try to go search it out for you. The book I got was from a university and in pitiful shape, but very interesting reading. I posted about it at IS, but you must have missed it, as it was months ago (and now it's gone).

Was it Fawn Brodie? She wrote No One Knows My History which is available in paperback at Amazon. Maybe I'll order it. But I don't think it's 1935. Well anyway lots of books to pursue. So many books and so little time!

[Roux]

Was it Fawn Brodie? She wrote No One Knows My History which is available in paperback at Amazon. Maybe I'll order it. But I don't think it's 1935. Well anyway lots of books to pursue. So many books and so little time!

Well double duh on me! I just scrolled up thread and see that is indeed the book you read/are reading Cat.

[Cat]

Was it Fawn Brodie? She wrote No One Knows My History which is available in paperback at Amazon. Maybe I'll order it. But I don't think it's 1935. Well anyway lots of books to pursue. So many books and so little time!

Yes, yes, Roux, copywrite 1935. I think it is "No Man Knows My History."

[Cat]

Well double duh on me! I just scrolled up thread and see that is indeed the book you read/are reading Cat.

I answered before I read your second post, too, Roux, so double duh on both of us. :67302:

The book is extremely detailed with many, many sources.

[Faith]

Grand jury indicts Texas polygamist members
Leader Warren Jeffs accused of sexual assault; five others to be arrested


BREAKING NEWS
updated 21 minutes ago

ELDORADO, Texas - A Texas grand jury on Tuesday indicted polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs and five of his followers.

Jeffs was charged with felony sexual assault of a child.

Four of his followers were charged with one count of sexually assaulting girls under the age of 17. One of the four faced an additional charge of bigamy, Attorney General Greg Abbott said.

A fifth follower was charged with three counts of failure to report child abuse, Abbott said.

The charges followed an ill-fated child custody case in which more than 400 children were placed in foster care. The Texas Supreme Court ruled child welfare authorities overstepped in taking all the children from their parents even though many were infants and toddlers.

Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints leaders have consistently denied there was any abuse at the ranch and vowed not to sanction underage marriages.

Secret proceedings

Grand jury proceedings are supposed to be secret, but documents released as part of the separate child custody case involving the FLDS children have revealed some of the evidence collected by law enforcement during the weeklong raid of the ranch.

Among the hundreds of boxes of photos, documents and family Bibles, investigators found photos of Jeffs kissing and intimately embracing several apparently teenage girls.

A journal entry purportedly from Jeffs attached to a report by a child advocate indicates he married his daughter to a 34-year-old man the day after she turned 15. The girl turns 17 on Saturday and has denied being married, though the child advocate report indicates intimate notes between the girl and man were also found in the raid.

The girl, who playfully climbed a giant oak tree while waiting to be called to testify last month, left the community building frowning as she talked to her lawyer. The Associated Press is not identifying her because authorities believe she may be a sexual abuse victim.

Plural marriages

Under Texas law, a girl younger than 17 cannot generally consent to sex with an adult. Bigamy is also illegal in Texas, although FLDS members in plural marriages did not get Texas marriage licenses.

In addition to discussions of the girl’s marriage, the Jeffs journal entry also indicates he blessed marriages of two other underage sect members.

A call to a spokeswoman for Abbott was not immediately returned Tuesday.

The FLDS, which believes polygamy brings glory in heaven, is a breakaway sect of the mainstream Mormon church, which officially renounced polygamy more than a century ago.

Jeffs, who is revered as a prophet, is jailed in Arizona awaiting charges related to the marriages of young girls. He was convicted in Utah of rape as an accomplice for his role in the marriage of a 14-year-old last year.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25802446/?GT1=43001

[RayStar]

YIPEE I want these dirty old men punished. Thanks for the post.

[TigressPen]

I wanted to give TX a standing ovation for going after these men, after they were forced to send the children back to the parents. Hooray for them!! I pray yet more charges will be executed against this bunch.

[GollyGeeWhiz]

:1222423:

... for those 460 kids. Maybe they have a future, after all.

Thank you, Texas.:tender:

[chambord]

:1222423:

... for those 460 kids. Maybe they have a future, after all.

Thank you, Texas.:tender:

Great News!! I've been hoping this would happen.

[grammybears]

Thanks, lotty. Nice to see you and grammy here. I was Cat2007 at other place (didn't post much, but always read your posts). :0012:

Thank you Cat. I am glad you are here. I tend to be outspoken when it comes to abuses of children. I was abused as a child and I cannot tolerate abuse to children.

[Details]

Good for them - no backing down under pressure and PR attacks.

[Jute]

:1222423:

... for those 460 kids. Maybe they have a future, after all.

Thank you, Texas.:tender:

Yes, GGW, it's great news :hifive: - even if I'm a couple of days late saying so.:blondblush113268230

[Cat]

Thank you Cat. I am glad you are here. I tend to be outspoken when it comes to abuses of children. I was abused as a child and I cannot tolerate abuse to children.

I was reading the postings at the other place and links to the testimony. I still have some to read. I am sorry you were abused. I know that never really goes away. :love0081: God bless you. I am against any abuse against children, women, animals, and prisoners of war.

[lotty]

The pending motions and omnibus hearing for Warren Jeffs have been moved to Aug. 22, 2008 @ 9:00 am.

[TigressPen]

4 polygamist sect members post bond in Texas
By MICHELLE ROBERTS

Associated Press Writer

SAN ANTONIO — Four polygamist sect members indicted on charges of sexual assault of a child were released from jail late Wednesday after posting bond.

Schleicher County Sheriff David Doran said the men — Raymond Merrill Jessop, 36; Allan Eugene Keate, 56; Michael George Emack, 57; and Merrill Leroy Jessop, 33 — posted bonds of $100,000 per charge and were likely headed home to the Yearning For Zion Ranch in Eldorado. They had been jailed since turning themselves in more than a week ago.

Each of the men from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which runs the YFZ Ranch, was indicted last month on one count of sexual assault of a child. Merrill Leroy Jessop faces an additional charge of bigamy.

Under the conditions of their bonds, the men must stay in Schleicher County unless they notify authorities and must stay away from their alleged victims.

They were indicted July 22 along with imprisoned FLDS leader Warren Jeffs, who was also charged with sexual assault of a child, and Lloyd Hammon Barlow, a 38-year-old physician who was charged with three misdemeanor counts of failure to report child abuse. Barlow posted bond last week.

Prosecutors have declined to provide details on what the men are accused of doing, but documents from a separate custody case included a journal entry from Jeffs indicating Raymond Merrill Jessop was married to Jeffs' daughter the day after she turned 15.

The journal entry also indicates Merrill Leroy Jessop married another sect daughter that day, though it's not clear how old she was.

Jeffs is jailed in Arizona awaiting trial on charges related to the marriage of underage girls to older sect members there. He was convicted in Utah last year as an accomplice to rape for marrying a girl to her cousin.

Under Texas law, a girl younger than 17 cannot generally consent to sex with an adult.

The state's bigamy statute applies to legal marriages and to couples who purport to marry, a lower standard adopted in part to target unions like the spiritual marriages practiced by FLDS members.

Prosecutors and law enforcement say their investigation continues.

Child Protective Services, which launched the initial investigation into possible underage marriages, is also still investigating. On Tuesday, CPS asked a judge to place eight children in foster care, saying their mothers refuse to limit their contact with men accused of being involved in underage marriages.

The FLDS, which believes polygamy brings glory in heaven, is a breakaway sect of the mainstream Mormon church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which officially renounced polygamy more than a century ago.


___

August 6, 2008 - 11:13 p.m. CDT

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-gen/ap/National/Polygamist_Retreat.html?cxntlid=inform_sr