FBI chief speaks about Warren Jeffs, the late Jack Anderson
 
By Brent Hunsaker and Chris Jones
ABC 4 News
FBI Chief Mueller

It is not a question of if, just when. FBI Director Robert Mueller told Salt Lake reporters that fugitive polygamist prophet Warren Jeffs will be arrested. He has statistics on his side. The FBI has a 94% arrest rate for those placed on the "Ten Most Wanted List".

"Always in a situation like this it takes time," Director Mueller said. "My expectation is that we will catch him."

Mueller brushed aside a challenge that Jeffs should not be on the same list as Osama Bin Laden. "This is a person (Jeffs) who preys on children. I would expect that most of the American public would view such a person as this as a person who belongs behind bars."

The placement of Jeffs on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List isn't the only way that law enforcement is ratcheting up the pressure over the last couple months. Washington County, Utah, filed two first degree felony charges against Jeffs. He's charged with being an "accomplice to rape".

An Arizona grand jury had already handed down similar indictments based on the forced polygamist marriages of underage girls to older men. Mohave County, Arizona, Sheriffs Deputies served up another round of warrants and subpoenas in connection with the upcoming polygamy trials.

Eight of Jeffs followers are charged with having sex with underage girls. Arizona is considering the decertification of the Colorado City/Hilldale town marshals. Arizona authorities have also requested a Justice Department probe of the marshals.

One marshal, Mica Barlow, is already in jail on a civil contempt of court charge. The marshals have long been accused of doing the bidding of Jeffs rather than upholding the law.

Despite the increased pressure, Jeffs apparently continues to move around. Sightings were reported last month in both Bountiful, British Columbia and Colorado City. Law enforcement hopes to catch him while hes on the move.

Agents say privately they want to avoid a raid on a Jeffs' stronghold fearing it may trigger another Waco.

Mueller also took questions about muckraking Salt Lake City native Jack Anderson. The FBI has been trying to get a peek at the late journalist's files. Anderson's family vows to go to jail before turning over the papers. They say the government's actions are violations of the First Amendment.

brent@abc4.tv
chrisjones@abc4.tv
 
ABC4.com
Originally published June 8, 2006
 
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