Jeffs appears via video in Utah court

ST. GEORGE — Looking thin and pale, captured polygamist leader Warren Jeffs made his first court appearance here in 5th District Court, finally facing charges of rape as an accomplice.

Appearing Wednesday via video hookup from the Purgatory Jail, Jeffs sat silent through most of the hearing, blinking at the camera.

"Mr. Jeffs, can you hear me OK, sir?" Judge James L. Shumate asked.

"Yes," Jeffs said, softly.

As the judge read the charges and possible punishments, Jeffs looked down at the copy in his hands, following along. Shumate asked Jeffs if he had an attorney.

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

As the six-minute hearing concluded, Jeffs leaned forward to the camera trying to speak but was cut off by the judge. Shumate set a status conference for Monday, where he will be updated on whether Jeffs has a lawyer, address the preliminary hearing and bail issues. Jeffs is being held without bail.

Jeffs said his lawyer suggested he request a delay for the preliminary hearing.

But Shumate was reluctant to postpone the hearing set for Sept. 19.

Washington County Attorney Brock Belnap said his office is "prepared to go forward with our case" against Jeffs.

"Our office will be cooperative if he requests a continuance. We will not object to it," Belnap told reporters after the hearing.

Courthouse security

Security outside the courthouse was intense.

SWAT team sharpshooters were spotted on nearby rooftops and redrock hillsides. Officers were also walking the streets surrounding the courthouse, watching people go in and out.

"We just want to make sure everything goes smoothly," St. George Police Sgt. Craig Harding said.

Even though Jeffs was not in the courthouse, police used the hearing as a SWAT training exercise to prepare for when the polygamist leader will be transported to court.

Jeffs remains in isolation at the jail. Sheriff's deputies who were watching him told the Deseret Morning News that Jeffs appeared to be "doing OK" behind bars.