Jeffs case postponed
 
By Patrice St. Germain
patrices@thespectrum.com
Warren Jeffs

Jeffs

ST. GEORGE - A hearing scheduled for Monday in the state's case against Warren Steed Jeffs has been postponed and no new date has been set.

The hearing, to suppress evidence obtained when Jeffs, 51, was arrested outside of Las Vegas in August was to be held on what was originally scheduled to be the first day of a two-week jury trial in which Jeffs, the self-proclaimed prophet of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, has been charged with two counts of rape as an accomplice.

According to court documents filed, the hearing date was stricken, but no further information was available as to why the court cancelled Jeffs'appearance.

Deputy Washington County Attorney Brian Filter said the court continued the hearing and had no comment why. He did say the Washington County Attorney's office is prepared to go forward as soon as a date is set.

Nancy Volmer, public information officer with Utah Courts, had no additional information concerning the continuance and Jeffs' attorney, Walter Bugden, did not return messages or e-mails.

Judge James E. Shumate has been presiding over Jeffs' court appearances and signed the order postponing the hearing on Tuesday.

This comes after Shumate received a petition from Jeffs' attorneys that was filed under seal on April 3. Also on April 3, an order was filed under seal.A telephonic hearing held on Feb. 8 was also sealed by the courts.

Jeffs faces two counts of rape as an accomplice, first-degree felonies that carry a penalty of five years to life for each count, for allegedly arranging the marriage between a 14-year-old girl and her 19-year-old cousin, both members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Jeffs assumed the role of head of the church several years ago after his father Rulon, the prophet of the FLDS church died.

The majority of Jeffs' followers live in the Hildale and Colorado City, Ariz., communities once known as Short Creek.

It is estimated that Jeffs has up to 10,000 followers.
 
TheSpectrum.com
Originally published April 18, 2007
 
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