After struggling to find a place to live, Jessop found his way to Shannon Price, who heads the Diversity Foundation, which helps the so-called "Lost Boys" who have been kicked out of the FLDS communities.

"He loves her dearly," Price told the Deseret Morning News, referring to Jessop's feelings for his mother. "He misses her desperately. He's pretty heartbroken."

The lawsuit seeks damages for breach of duties, alienation of affection, invasion of privacy and infliction of emotional distress. It claims that Jeffs expelled Jessop from his family and home to "perpetuate the illegal practice of polygamy."

Jeffs, 51, is facing charges in 5th District Court of rape as an accomplice, a first-degree felony. He is accused of performing a child-bride marriage. He remains in the Purgatory Jail in isolation.

Jessop did not return calls for comment Tuesday night, but the lawsuit said it has been more than two years since he has spoken to his mother, and he doesn't know where she is.

In asking for damages, Hoole demands that Jeffs provide Jessop the physical location and contact information of his mother.

"There's only one person who can do that — Mr. Jeffs," he said.

Getting an answer may be difficult — Jeffs has refused to meet with anyone besides his loyal followers and his criminal defense attorneys. Several lawsuits filed against him have gone unanswered.

Still, Price said Jessop wants to see his mother again.

"He wants to have a son-mother relationship," she said. "He wants his mom."

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com