FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact
Deborah McCarley
602-650-3201
Phoenix, AZ
Patrick J. Kiernan
801-579-1400
Salt Lake City, UT

May 6, 2006

The Federal Bureau of Investigation today placed Warren Steed Jeffs on its “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list. He is being sought for charges of sexual conduct with a minor, conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a child and rape as an accomplice.

It is alleged that Jeffs, the leader of a polygamous community known as the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS), performed marriages between minors and adult males within the FLDS community. These charges originated from an investigation conducted by the Mohave County Attorney’s Office in Arizona. Additional charges against Jeffs, alleging two counts of rape as an accomplice, were filed by the Washington County Attorney in Utah.

In 2002, Jeffs succeeded his father as leader of the FLDS and is believed by his followers to be the Prophet. Jeffs is the only one who can perform marriages within the FLDS and has claimed the authority to strip male followers of their wives, children and property without question.

The FLDS owns property in several locations where followers of Jeffs reside and worship. These locations include Colorado City, Arizona; Hilldale, Utah; Beryl Junction, Utah; Salt Lake City, Utah; Macos, Colorado; Mesquite, Nevada; Henderson, Nevada; Bountiful, British Columbia; and El Dorado, Texas.

Jeffs is described as being 6’4” in height, weighing 150 lbs, and having brown colored eyes and hair. Information has been provided which indicates that Jeffs travels with armed bodyguards and should be considered armed and dangerous.

A reward of up to $100,000.00 is being offered for any information leading directly to the arrest of Warren Steed Jeffs. Individuals with information concerning Jeffs should take no action themselves, but should immediately contact the nearest office of the FBI or local law enforcement agency. For any possible sighting outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Additional information regarding Warren Steed Jeffs, including his wanted poster, is available on the FBI’s Internet Home Page at http://www.fbi.gov.