Warren Jeffs won't fight extradition to Utah

LAS VEGAS — Captured polygamous leader Warren Jeffs waived extradition on Utah criminal charges in a brief hearing today in the Las Vegas Township Justice Court.

At a news conference this afternoon in St. George, Washington County Sheriff Kirk Smith said Jeffs won't be coming back to Utah today. He said authorities aren't expecting trouble with Jeffs' transport but details on when he might be brought to Utah will not be made public in order to keep Jeffs safe and secure. Smith said only that Jeffs would be brought to Utah sometime in the next 30 days.

At this morning's hearing in Las Vegas, Jeffs, wearing a blue jail jumpsuit, was escorted into the courtroom by members of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department SWAT team. Speaking softly, Jeffs answered Judge James M. Bixler's questions politely

"Are you Warren Jeffs?" the judge asked.

"Yes," Jeffs replied softly.

The judge explained the extradition process to Jeffs, who said he would "go ahead and be extradited." Jeffs was then hustled out of the courtroom.

Jeff's brother Isaac, who was traveling with the polygamous leader when he was arrested, was present in the courtroom for Thursday's hearing. He stood up in the audience as his brother was led away and later ran out of the courthouse.

On Wednesday, anticipating Jeffs' probable return, Washington County prosecutors filed a motion in St. George's 5th District Court asking a judge to deny bail. A bail hearing will need to be held before any denial of bail becomes permanent.

The polygamist leader is accused of performing child-bride marriages, which led to a pair of criminal cases being filed in Utah and Arizona.

In Utah, he is charged with rape as an accomplice, a first-degree felony. In 2002, criminal charges state Jeffs forced a teenage girl into a polygamous marriage with an older man.

Washington County prosecutors said Wednesday they were taking steps to ensure the safety of their star witness. They declined to specify what is being done.

"We've taken steps to help protect her. We've tried to think ahead and finds ways to keep her protected," Washington County deputy attorney Jerry Jaeger told the Deseret Morning News. "We are concerned for her safety, and that's one thing that we're making a No. 1 priority."

In Arizona, Jeffs is charged with sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor.