Reid's remarks angered Shurtleff, as he outlined what the state has done to combat polygamy. Reid, who is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called Shurtleff shortly after to bury the hatchet. Shurtleff and Goddard also sent Reid a four-page letter outlining their states' action on fighting polygamy.

"Your comments to Utah media about state law enforcement efforts with regard to women and children living in Colorado City (Ariz.) and Hildale (Utah) were apparently made without full information about the significant progress made in our two states over the past several years," the attorneys general wrote, providing a detailed list of efforts the states have made, including putting FLDS leader Warren Jeffs in jail.

In Monday's letter, Reid said he was "pleased to learn more about the good work you have both undertaken to reduce child abuse, domestic violence and other serious violations of law within these communities." He said, too, though, that the letter confirmed "that federal assistance would strengthen your hand in this struggle."

Reid wrote that a "senior career prosecutor in the Deputy Attorney General's Office has been tasked to carry out this review" with Shurtleff, Goddard and Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto.

"Working together, I believe federal and state authorities can do even more to address the epidemic of lawlessness in polygamous communities throughout the southwestern United States," Reid wrote.

Shurtleff called it a good first step but said they would need to involve other federal agencies, like the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor, to look into possible financial crimes and child labor violations.

"With a task force in place, it would be very helpful," he told the Deseret News.

The U.S. attorney for Nevada will oversee the efforts, and Shurtleff said he expects they would have their first meeting next week.

U.S. Attorney for Utah Brett Tolman told the Deseret News last week that his office has conducted inquiries into the FLDS Church and its leader, Warren Jeffs, but was unable to develop concrete evidence or secure witnesses for any charges. He also said a federal task force was unnecessary but that he would work with state authorities.

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E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com; bwinslow@desnews.com