From Deseret News archives:
Jeffs' jail conversations may haunt him in trials
Law enforcers could use taped words of 'prophet'
"We record conversations of all inmates," Washington County Sheriff Kirk Smith told the Deseret Morning News on Wednesday. "We are not doing anything differently with Warren Jeffs than we do for anyone else, and nothing has changed since his conviction."
Only conversations deemed protected, such as the ones between an attorney and client, are not recorded. The sheriff declined to comment on the contents of several jailhouse tapes that were detailed in recently unsealed court documents.
More court documents also reveal some of Jeffs' writings that were seized when the polygamist leader was arrested in August 2006, after months on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List.
"You know that there are laws passed for the purpose to take me in bondage and put me in prison. The evil powers know of this mission, and the devil wants this work stopped," Jeffs reportedly said in a 2005 document that prosecutors cite in a court filing.
The documents were suddenly made public late Tuesday night when 5th District Judge James Shumate ordered their release without any explanation.
Jeffs, 51, was recently convicted of first-degree felony rape as an accomplice, stemming from a marriage he performed between a 14-year-old girl and her 19-year-old cousin. Jeffs is being kept in isolation at the Purgatory Jail. He faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 20.
Defense attorney Wally Bugden wrote in court papers filed under seal in July that Jeffs had been experiencing medical problems. In a series of recorded phone calls to family and followers on Jan. 24, Jeffs indicated that when he was 20, he had been "immoral" with a sister and a daughter.
"He renounced his role as the Prophet, explaining that the Lord revealed to him that he was a wicked man and has not held the priesthood since he was 20 years old," Bugden wrote.
The next day, Jeffs met with his brother Nephi at the Purgatory Jail. In a videotaped visitation, Jeffs declared that he had fasted for three days and had been awake all night. While dictating a religious message to his flock, Bugden wrote, Jeffs stopped talking for more than 13 minutes.
"Towards the end of the visit, the Defendant renounced his role as prophet," Bugden wrote.
Recent comments
San Diego, A religion who teaches young girls that they must sleep...
Katchaleter | Nov. 2, 2007 at 2:42 p.m.
Just me - When they marry their own step daughters (very common) the...
Katchlater | Nov. 2, 2007 at 2:35 p.m.
I was married to one wife, how could I ever handle 30?, It's sad to...
San Diego Man | Nov. 2, 2007 at 8:58 a.m.
- Broncos have 1st quarter lead 7:26 p.m.
- No. 6 UNC beats FIU, 88-72 7:13 p.m.
- Turner leads No. 16 Buckeyes 7:08 p.m.
- MLB: Giants' prospect freed 7:00 p.m.
- Sandy may give $ to juco bowl game 6:42 p.m.
- Transactions 6:14 p.m.
- MLB: Police search for kidnappers 6:11 p.m.
- Students: Michigan AD shoved them 6:06 p.m.
- Spurs' Duncan, Parker sidelined 5:55 p.m.
- Falcons say they feed off Smith 5:54 p.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications
- Seniors helped BYU regroup
- Lambert surprisingly tops news
- Hope for single moms
- Bystanders framed for child porn
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated
- Prep girls soccer MVPs named
- Utah Jazz Extra: Whose hot/not
- GOP blasts Matheson after vote
- Newhouse Hotel, an explosive end
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
269 - House passes health care bill
223 - Lobo suspended
179 - TCU showdown has big implications
172 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
154 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
111 - Thousands protest health bill
110 - Provo company innovating engines
108 - RSL rallies to advance
103
Meghan McCain, the daughter of former presidential candidate John...
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
Cool information on what makes the English Holly unique.Helped a lot with my...
John your anger is misplaced. Our nation absolutely glorifies militarism and...
I stand by the Utes! We have the offensive players we need to beat any...
To Andy:453 PM! How dare you ASSUME I am a tea party member, republican...
"That's so gay" I think that would depend on who said it and when - you...
Actually Joseph Smith said that the German Bible was the most accurate. ...
You made the right decision! When it comes down to it the right decision has...
Did someone put a dome on Rio Tinto Stadium when I wasn't looking? Who's...
My gaud! Why don't the republicans just dig Ronald up, put him in a chair...
i'll take of em all! smack em on the side of the head for you!! i'll knock...


