A Utah judge has signed a warrant for the arrest of polygamous church leader Warren S. Jeffs on bigamy and sexual assault charges filed in Texas, according to court documents.
The charges stem from alleged sexual relations with two underage girls at the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ Yearning For Zion Ranch in Eldorado, Texas.
Third District Judge Terry Christiansen signed the warrant Friday, following an extradition request by Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
Last month, the Utah Supreme Court reversed Jeffs’ convictions on accomplice to rape charges and sent the case back for a new trial. The court said faulty jury instructions prevented Jeffs from getting a fair hearing. Jeffs remains at the Utah State Prison in Draper in the facility’s mental health unit, said Steve Gehrke, spokesman for the Utah Department of Corrections.
Jeffs’ initial appearance is set for Thursday. No bail was set.
Lindsay Whitehurst
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