Warren Jeffs' Influence May Be Waning

Rod Decker Reporting KUTV Channel 2

(KUTV) SALT LAKE CITY Is Warren Jeffs losing control of his followers? He’s been in jail for six months, his health is failing and his position in the church is in question. A fog of secrecy and rumor surrounds this case. For example, Judge James Shumate just issued another secret order. But Warren Jeffs is in bad health, and may be depressed, and may not be running things so tightly among his followers. Bruce Wisan is a court appointed trustee charged with investigating and settling conflicting property claims in Hildale and Colorado City. Wisan says, "This is a major change from Warren’s ‘say nothing, do nothing, sign nothing.’" He needs a reliable survey of town land and property, and for years, officials refused to cooperate. "Mayor Terrell Johnson said in deposition under oath, he wouldn’t even talk to me about the surveys," says Wisan. But now Hildale and Colorado City officials hold joint meetings to help Wisan get a survey. Court threats of disincorporation may be part of the cause. But Warren Jeffs ordered FLDS to have nothing to do with outsiders, and maybe now Jeffs is losing his grip. Jeffs for a time was out of jail and in the hospital, no one will say why. His defense lawyer Wally Bugden says Jeffs is very frail. Jeffs seemed listless at his last hearing, slept through part of the proceedings, and drooled on his suit. Quoting anonymous sources, the Deseret Morning News says Jeffs has renounced his title as prophet, and says he was not called of god. While the judge and officials are keeping many facts secret, change has affected the polygamous community. Bruce Wisan, trustee: Warren may not be so much in charge down there. FLDS members in the polygamist towns seem to be friendlier with outsiders. Some say this is a result of Jeffs’ waning influence.

KUTV.com Originally broadcast April 4, 2007

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