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37 Facts About Warren Jeffs

Jewel Sutter

Written by Jewel Sutter

Published: 21 Dec 2024

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Source: Abcnews.go.com

Warren Jeffs, a name that sends shivers down many spines, is one of the most notorious figures in recent history. Who is Warren Jeffs? He is the former leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), a polygamous sect. Jeffs gained infamy for his extreme control over his followers and his criminal activities. Why does he matter? His actions led to numerous legal battles, shedding light on the dark side of religious extremism. In this post, we'll uncover 37 jaw-dropping facts about Warren Jeffs, from his rise to power to his eventual downfall. Buckle up for a wild ride through the life of a man who left an indelible mark on history.

Key Takeaways:

  • Warren Jeffs, former FLDS leader, exerted extreme control over his followers, leading to legal troubles and lasting impact on the community.
  • Despite imprisonment, Jeffs continues to influence the FLDS from prison, leaving a complicated and polarizing legacy.
Table of Contents
01Who is Warren Jeffs?
02Leadership and Influence
03Legal Troubles
04Life in Prison
05Impact on the FLDS Community
06Financial Control
07Personal Life
08Legacy
09Final Thoughts on Warren Jeffs

Who is Warren Jeffs?

Warren Jeffs is a name that often comes up in discussions about controversial religious leaders. As the former president of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), his life has been filled with both influence and infamy. Here are some intriguing facts about him.

  1. Warren Jeffs was born on December 3, 1955, in Sacramento, California.

  2. He is the son of Rulon Jeffs, who was the leader of the FLDS before him.

  3. Warren Jeffs took over the leadership of the FLDS in 2002 after his father's death.

  4. He has over 50 siblings from his father's multiple wives.

  5. Jeffs was known for his strict and authoritarian leadership style.

Leadership and Influence

Warren Jeffs' leadership was marked by extreme control over his followers. His influence extended to various aspects of their lives, from marriage to daily activities.

  1. Under his rule, the FLDS practiced polygamy, with some men having dozens of wives.

  2. He arranged marriages for young girls, often to much older men.

  3. Jeffs controlled the education system within the FLDS community, emphasizing religious teachings over secular subjects.

  4. He banned many forms of entertainment, including television and the internet.

  5. Jeffs claimed to receive direct revelations from God, which he used to justify his decisions.

Legal Troubles

Warren Jeffs' leadership eventually led to numerous legal issues. His actions caught the attention of law enforcement, resulting in several high-profile cases.

  1. In 2006, he was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.

  2. Jeffs was arrested in August 2006 during a routine traffic stop in Nevada.

  3. He faced charges of sexual misconduct with minors and arranging illegal marriages.

  4. In 2007, he was convicted of being an accomplice to rape but the conviction was later overturned.

  5. In 2011, Jeffs was convicted on two counts of sexual assault of a child in Texas.

Life in Prison

Despite being incarcerated, Warren Jeffs continues to exert influence over his followers. His life behind bars is as controversial as his time as a free man.

  1. Jeffs was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years.

  2. He has reportedly continued to lead the FLDS from his prison cell.

  3. Jeffs has gone on multiple hunger strikes, claiming they are religious fasts.

  4. He has written several books while in prison, which are considered sacred texts by his followers.

  5. Jeffs has made numerous prophecies from prison, many of which have not come true.

Impact on the FLDS Community

Warren Jeffs' leadership has had a lasting impact on the FLDS community. His actions have led to both internal strife and external scrutiny.

  1. Many former FLDS members have spoken out against Jeffs, describing his rule as tyrannical.

  2. The community has faced numerous legal battles over child custody and property rights.

  3. Jeffs' teachings have led to a significant number of excommunications within the FLDS.

  4. The FLDS community has been largely isolated from mainstream society due to Jeffs' influence.

  5. Some members continue to view Jeffs as a prophet, despite his imprisonment.

Financial Control

Warren Jeffs also had significant control over the financial aspects of the FLDS community. His decisions have had long-lasting economic effects.

  1. Jeffs controlled the United Effort Plan (UEP), a trust holding most of the FLDS's assets.

  2. In 2005, the state of Utah took control of the UEP due to allegations of mismanagement.

  3. Jeffs directed his followers to donate large sums of money to the church.

  4. Many FLDS members lived in poverty while Jeffs and other leaders enjoyed a more comfortable lifestyle.

  5. The community's financial struggles have continued even after Jeffs' imprisonment.

Personal Life

Warren Jeffs' personal life has been as complex and controversial as his public persona. His relationships and actions have often been scrutinized.

  1. Jeffs has been married to over 70 women.

  2. Many of his wives were underage at the time of their marriages.

  3. He fathered more than 50 children.

  4. Jeffs' marriages were often arranged without the consent of the women involved.

  5. His personal life has been the subject of numerous documentaries and books.

Legacy

Warren Jeffs' legacy is a complicated one. His actions have left a lasting mark on both his followers and society at large.

  1. Jeffs' leadership has been compared to that of other cult leaders due to his extreme control over his followers.

  2. Despite his imprisonment, Jeffs remains a polarizing figure, with some viewing him as a prophet and others as a criminal.

Final Thoughts on Warren Jeffs

Warren Jeffs' life is a mix of power, control, and controversy. As the leader of the FLDS, he held immense influence over his followers, dictating every aspect of their lives. His actions, however, led to numerous legal battles and his eventual imprisonment. Jeffs' story serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked authority and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. Understanding his life and the facts surrounding it helps shed light on the complexities of religious extremism and the importance of safeguarding personal freedoms. Whether you're curious about cults or studying modern religious movements, Jeffs' tale is a stark example of how power can corrupt and the lengths some will go to maintain control. Stay informed, question authority, and always seek the truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Warren Jeffs do to become so notorious?
Warren Jeffs gained infamy as the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), a polygamist offshoot of the mainstream Mormon church. His notoriety stems from allegations and convictions related to sexual assault and the arranged marriages of underage girls within the sect.
How long is Warren Jeffs in prison for?
Jeffs is serving a life sentence plus 20 years. His convictions include two counts of sexual assault on a child, for which he was sentenced in 2011. These charges relate to his role in arranging and forcing underage marriages.
Did Warren Jeffs have a lot of wives?
Yes, he did. Reports suggest that Warren Jeffs had upwards of 70 wives. Some were as young as 12 years old when they were forced into marriage with him, highlighting the severe abuse and control he exerted within the FLDS.
How did Warren Jeffs become the leader of the FLDS?
He rose to power following the death of his father, Rulon Jeffs, who was the FLDS prophet before him. Warren Jeffs initially served as a counselor to his father and, upon his father's death in 2002, declared himself the prophet of the FLDS, solidifying his control over the sect.
What impact did Warren Jeffs' leadership have on the FLDS community?
Under Jeffs' leadership, the FLDS community became more isolated and secretive, with increased emphasis on polygamy and submission to his authority. His rule led to numerous human rights abuses, including forced marriages and child labor. The community also faced significant legal challenges and public scrutiny.
Is Warren Jeffs still considered a prophet by the FLDS?
Despite his imprisonment, Jeffs reportedly still exerts influence over the FLDS from behind bars. Some members continue to regard him as their prophet, following his teachings and directives, which are often relayed through phone calls or written messages.
Can Warren Jeffs ever be released from prison?
Given his life sentence plus 20 years, it's highly unlikely that Jeffs will ever be released. His convictions for serious crimes against children ensure that he remains incarcerated, barring any unprecedented legal developments.
What's the current status of the FLDS?
Since Jeffs' imprisonment, the FLDS has experienced leadership struggles and decreased public visibility. However, it reportedly continues to practice polygamy and maintain its beliefs, despite ongoing legal issues and societal opposition.

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