FLDS sect leader

Warren Steed Jeffs was born on December 3, 1955, in Sacramento, California, as the son of Rulon Jeffs, who led the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). This polygamist sect differs from the mainstream Mormon church by continuing the practice of polygamy, which the main church officially abolished in 1890.

When Warren's father died in 2002, Warren assumed the position of church prophet and president. With this came absolute power over sect members, who primarily live in the border towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona. Under his leadership, the FLDS developed into an increasingly isolated and controlled community.

Abuse and illegal marriages

Warren Jeffs used his position to systematically arrange forced marriages between adult men and underage girls, often as young as 12-14 years old. He himself married more than 70 women, at least 24 of whom were under 17 years old at the time of marriage. Two of these girls were only 12 and 14 years old.

Jeffs claimed that these marriages were divinely ordained "spiritual unions" necessary for salvation. He controlled all aspects of members' lives, including whom they could marry, what clothes they could wear, and what they could read or watch. Families were separated at his discretion, and men who challenged his authority were banished from the community.

FBI's most wanted

In 2006, Jeffs was placed on the FBI Most Wanted list for arranging marriages between underage girls and older men. When he failed to appear in court, he went underground.

For approximately 18 months, Jeffs was on the run while still communicating with his followers through phone calls and letters. He traveled around the United States accompanied by a few loyal followers and used false names. The FBI received numerous tips, but Jeffs evaded arrest until August 2006.

On August 28, 2006, Warren Jeffs was arrested during a routine traffic stop near Las Vegas, Nevada. He was found in a Cadillac Escalade with one of his wives and his brother. Police found cash, mobile phones, computers, and various disguises in the vehicle.

Trials and conviction

In September 2007, Jeffs was convicted in Utah as an accomplice to rape for arranging the marriage between a 14-year-old girl and her 19-year-old cousin. This conviction was later overturned in 2010 by the Utah Supreme Court due to improper jury instructions.

While the Utah case was being tried, Texas authorities pressed charges against Jeffs. In 2008, authorities raided the FLDS's Yearning for Zion Ranch in Eldorado, Texas, removing over 400 children from the property. The raid revealed evidence of systematic sexual abuse of minors.

In August 2011, Jeffs stood trial in Texas charged with sexual abuse of two girls, ages 12 and 15, whom he had forced to become his "spiritual wives." During the trial, audio recordings were played in which Jeffs instructed the young girls in sexual acts, which he called "heavenly union."

On August 9, 2011, Warren Jeffs was convicted and sentenced to life plus 20 years in prison. He must serve at least 45 years before he can apply for parole.

Control from prison

Although Warren Jeffs is imprisoned, he continues to attempt to exert control over FLDS members. From prison, he has issued prophecies and orders to his followers, including extremely restrictive rules about fasting and prayer.

In 2014, it was reported that he had stated that the end of the world was near, and he urged members to undergo extended periods of fasting. Some former members have reported that his continued influence has led to further isolation and suffering for those who remain in the sect.

Documentaries and books by former FLDS members have shed light on the traumatic experiences of women and children in the sect. Many have struggled to rebuild their lives after leaving the controlled environment.

Warren Jeffs is currently incarcerated at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Powledge Unit, where he continues to serve his life sentence for his crimes against children and young women.