Jeffs makes first Utah court appearance

ST. GEORGE — Captured polygamist leader Warren Jeffs made his first court appearance today in 5th District Court here.

Jeffs, wearing a green-and-white striped jail uniform, appeared via video hook-up from the Purgatory Jail, where he remains incarcerated in isolation.

During his brief court appearance, Judge James Shumate asked Jeffs if he understood the charges against him.

"Yes," Jeffs replied, looking down at his copy of the charges.

When Shumate asked if Jeffs had an attorney representing him, Jeffs indicated he had one — temporarily.

"I have a Nevada attorney helping me find Utah counsel," Jeffs said. "I ask for a week to do that."

As the judge was talking, several times Jeffs appeared to lean forward and open his mouth to speak, but could not get a word in. On the TV screen inside the courtroom, Jeffs could be seen alone in a room with the camera. A Washington County Sheriff's deputy was spotted walking in the hallway behind him.

The courtroom was packed with reporters, attorneys and even a small group of criminal justice students from nearby Dixie State College. The hearing lasted less than seven minutes.

Shumate set a series of hearings beginning with another video appearance on Sept. 11 and a preliminary hearing tentatively set for Sept. 19, when the issue of bail will be addressed. Washington County prosecutors want Jeffs to remain in jail without bail.

Jeffs, 50, is charged with two counts of rape as an accomplice, a first-degree felony. In charges filed in St. George's 5th District Court, Jeffs is accused of forcing an underage girl into a polygamous marriage with an older man. If convicted, Jeffs could get up to life in prison.

Across the border in Mohave County, Ariz., Jeffs is accused of sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor. He is accused of arranging child bride marriages.

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