Warren Jeffs extradited to Texas to stand trial

(CNN) — After a legal battle that wound up before the Utah Supreme Court, polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs was extradited from Utah to Texas to stand trial on sexual assault and bigamy charges, according to authorities in both states.

Jeffs left the custody of the Utah Department of Corrections before 4 p.m. Tuesday, department spokesman Stephen Gehrke said Wednesday.

FLDS

Theologically, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) is a sect of Mormonism.

Theologically, Mormonism in turn is a cult of Christianity

Theologically, the FLDS is also considered to be a cult of Christianity

Sociologically, the FLDS is a high-demand, high-control, destructive cult. Among other things, it teaches and practices polygamy, breaks up families and marriages, and has engaged in arranged and forced marriages.

Explanation: Sociological vs. theological definitions of the term ‘cult.’

In contrast to the Mormon Church, the FLDS practices a more original version of Mormonism. Mormonism’s doctrines constantly change in response to outside pressure and realities.

Research resources on the FLDS

Comments & resources by ReligionNewsBlog.com

The Texas attorney general’s office issued a statement saying that Jeffs arrived in San Angelo, Texas, at about 9 p.m. Tuesday.

“Law enforcement officers with the Texas Rangers and the Texas attorney general’s office escorted Jeffs to the state after taking custody of him in Utah earlier in the day,” the statement said. “Jeffs is currently being held without bail and awaits trial in Texas on two charges of sexual assault of a child and bigamy.”

Jeffs was set to appear in Tom Green County Court at 11 a.m. (noon ET) for arraignment, according to the court administrator’s office.

The Utah Court of Appeals halted Jeffs’ extradition while it considered his appeal of the extradition order, then transferred the matter to the Utah Supreme Court. That court on November 23 dismissed the appeal, clearing the way for the extradition to proceed.

In July, the Utah Supreme Court overturned Jeffs’ conviction in that state on two counts of being an accomplice to rape, ruling that instructions given to jurors were erroneous.
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