FLDS leader Jeffs refuses extradition to face charges in Texas

WEST JORDAN — FLDS Church leader Warren Jeffs on Tuesday refused to sign an extradition waiver that would send him to Texas to face charges of bigamy and sexual assault.

Jeffs was allowed to dress in a suit for his first court appearance since the Utah Supreme Court threw out his 2007 conviction of rape as an accomplice.

Utah officials have said they are content to allow Texas to prosecute Jeffs before deciding if the polygamous sect leader should be retried in Washington County.

"We don't need him here right now," said assistant attorney general Craig Barlow. "We think the great state of Texas should have an opportunity."

Jeffs' attorneys, however, said prosecutors want to send Jeffs to Texas because "the state of Utah is losing" the legal fight. Jeffs attorneys said their client deserves a trial in Utah first.

"It's our position that Mr. Jeffs is entitled to a speedy trial and a finality of the Utah issues," said attorney Walter Bugden. "We're not trying to prevent Texas from having an opportunity to prosecute Mr. Jeffs."

A hearing in the matter has been scheduled for Nov. 15.

— Aaron Falk