Arizona, feds pursuing cases against Jeffs

ST. GEORGE — Regardless of whether he is found guilty or innocent of rape as an accomplice, Fundamentalist LDS Church leader Warren Jeffs' legal troubles are not over.

The polygamous sect leader is still facing criminal charges in Arizona, and a federal grand jury in Utah has indicted him on a charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, stemming from his time on the FBI's Most Wanted list.

"We're ready and willing to get going on it," said Gary Engels, an investigator for the Mohave County Attorney's Office. "We've waited quite a while."

On Monday, the jury in Jeffs' trial here in St. George will return to the 5th District Courthouse to resume deliberations. Jeffs is accused of facilitating a marriage between a 14-year-old girl and her 19-year-old cousin. If convicted of the first-degree felony charges, Jeffs faces up to life in prison.

On Friday, attorneys for "Jane Doe," as she has been known, made her name public, along with a photograph of her at age 14. Elissa Wall has been the prosecution's star witness in the case against Jeffs. She may also be a witness in one of the Arizona cases against Jeffs, although her attorney would not comment on that specifically.

"Elissa's committed to making sure that Mr. Jeffs is held accountable for his actions and that these abuses come to a stop," said Greg Hoole, Wall's attorney.

It is unclear where Jeffs will go next.

"The issue is whether or not the federal authorities will try him next or he will go to Mohave County. That question has not yet been decided," Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith said in an e-mail to the Deseret Morning News. "I am anticipating that he will be coming to Arizona next and starting to prepare for trial here."

In Arizona, Jeffs is facing charges of sexual conduct with a minor, conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor, sexual conduct with a minor as an accomplice, and incest as an accomplice. The indictments accuse Jeffs of performing more child-bride marriages.

At least one of Mohave County's cases against Jeffs has been on shaky ground since one alleged child bride refused to testify against her former husband. It led to the dismissal of criminal charges against him. However, Engels said he is confident in the investigations.

"Our cases are a little different," he said, declining to elaborate.

In Arizona, Jeffs could make bail but is not expected to get out of jail anytime soon.