Word: sects
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ARRESTED. Warren Jeffs, 50, fugitive leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a polygamist Mormon sect, who had been on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list since May; for allegedly arranging marriages between underage girls and older men; near Las Vegas. Jeffs, who is believed to have at least 40 wives and 60 children, is officially the church's "President and Prophet, Seer and Revelator." He was traveling in a car with a wife, a brother, several disguises and cell phones and more than $50,000 in cash. Jeffs, who vanished after being indicted...
...Parker, an attorney who has represented the sect's members, including Jeffs, believes that Jeffs will maintain his leadership status. "The whole premise of their beliefs is that Jeffs has been chosen by God to be their leader and the fact that he is in custody doesn't change that - he is still going to be viewed as their prophet." Although, logistically carrying out his role may mean relying on a hierarchy of power. "Being a fugitive never stopped him from running the church, so why would it now?" asks Parker...
...sect follows the original fundamental teachings of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, which include the practice of polygamy. The Salt Lake City-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints left polygamy behind in 1890 and now excommunicates members who practice...
...conclusion to Jeffs' capture has left Shurtleff hopeful. "This should send a message that nobody is above the law, and hopefully it will encourage some [victims] to come forward." Shurleff anticipates changes in the group's community, especially in the twin cities of Hildale and Colorado City, where the sect is based. "Their feelings about him, their fear of him, their loyalty to him - we're hoping will start to crumble...
...Born premature, Jeffs was favored by his father, former sect leader, Rulon Jeffs; with some 60 siblings, being singled out was a rare treat. "He was considered the golden boy and never had to work a day in his life," says investigator Sam Brower, who has been working on polygamy civil cases for the past three years. Jeffs was known to be the primary gatekeeper for access to the prophet, his father, when he was alive but ailing in health. "I'm convinced he's also a sociopathic narcissist who is extremely cunning," says Brower. It is estimated, that Jeffs...