From Deseret News archives:

Polygamist charged with rape

Jeffs arranged marriage for a child, county says

By Ben Winslow and Nancy Perkins
Deseret Morning News

Published: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 2:04 p.m. MDT

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Despite her continued complaints, Jeffs told Jane Doe to remain in the marriage or risk her "salvation."

A $500,000 cash-only arrest warrant was issued for Jeffs, who remains a fugitive on the FBI's Most Wanted List. Belnap has asked that Jeffs be held without bail because "he constitutes a danger to the community and no amount of money will compel his appearance."

"Mr. Jeffs is not exempt from the law despite his position or beliefs," Belnap said. "This is not about religion or polygamy. It is about a violation of the law by someone in a position of authority over a young girl."

The warrant said that Jeffs is likely to have "safe houses" in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, South Dakota and Canada.

"Members of the FLDS community have told investigators that Jeffs 'will not be subject to earthly courts,' that he 'will not allow himself to be taken alive,' and that he 'will die as a martyr,' " a motion in support of the arrest warrant said. "Jeffs is known to travel with bodyguards and is considered by the FBI to be armed and dangerous."

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In 2005, Jeffs was indicted by a grand jury in Mohave County, Ariz., on sexual misconduct charges related to performing child-bride marriages. The Arizona Attorney General's Office declined to comment on the charges.

"Hallelujah!" shouted Elaine Tyler of the Hope Organization, a St. George-based group that helps people leaving abuse within the polygamous communities of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Ariz. Reacting to the news of the latest charges against Jeffs, Tyler said she didn't believe Washington County authorities were doing much about the abuses.

"This is extremely encouraging. I doubt he'll (Jeffs) be in Short Creek anytime soon. If he is, he sure risks being picked up," she said.

Shurtleff acknowledged that it remains difficult to find the fugitive prophet.

"What needs to happen is Jeffs needs to turn himself in and face these charges," he said. "Let's see him come forward and show the power of God that's with him."

E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com