My Seven-Year Investigation into Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In 2005, I embarked on a seven-year investigation into Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS). This secretive and polygamous sect had been operating in the shadows for decades, and Jeffs, its enigmatic leader, was a fugitive from justice.

My journey began with a tip from a former FLDS member who had escaped the community's clutches. She shared harrowing tales of abuse, coercion, and the systematic suppression of women's rights. Intrigued and horrified, I decided to delve deeper into this hidden world.

Prophet's Prey: My Seven-Year Investigation into Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints

by Sam Brower

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Unraveling a Web of Secrecy

Gaining access to the FLDS community was no easy feat. Its members were fiercely protective of their beliefs and practices, and outsiders were met with suspicion and hostility. Undeterred, I adopted a patient and respectful approach, building trust with former members and sympathetic locals.

Through painstaking interviews and hours spent poring over documents, I pieced together a disturbing picture of Jeffs's reign of terror. He had established a rigid hierarchy within the FLDS, with himself at the apex. Women were treated as subservient chattel, forced into arranged marriages and subjected to physical and emotional abuse.

Jeffs also practiced a bizarre form of "doctrinal cleansing," excommunicating anyone who dared to question his authority. Those who were banished were often left destitute and ostracized from their families.

The Hunt for Warren Jeffs

As my investigation progressed, Jeffs became increasingly elusive. He had fled Utah after being charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and incest. With the help of loyal followers, he moved from one hideout to another, always staying a step ahead of the law.

I followed his trail across the country, visiting remote ranches and isolated compounds. I interviewed witnesses and gathered evidence, determined to bring Jeffs to justice.

In 2006, a breakthrough came when Jeffs was arrested in Nevada. He was extradited to Utah, where he eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of felony rape as part of a plea deal. Jeffs was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years, a fitting end to his reign of terror.

Exposing the FLDS's Hidden Truths

Jeffs's capture did not mark the end of my investigation. I continued to explore the legacy of the FLDS, shedding light on the lives of those who had survived its oppressive grip.

I interviewed former members who had escaped the community, heard their stories of resilience and recovery. I also examined the legal and social challenges that these survivors faced as they rebuilt their lives outside the FLDS.

My investigation culminated in a book, "Escape: My Seven-Year Investigation into Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church," which was published in 2013. The book received widespread critical acclaim and helped to raise awareness about the abuses that had been perpetrated within the FLDS.

Impact and Legacy

My seven-year investigation into Warren Jeffs and the FLDS has had a profound impact on both the community and the broader public. It has helped to shatter the veil of secrecy that had long shrouded the sect and has forced law enforcement and policymakers to confront the serious issues of polygamy, child abuse, and the suppression of women's rights.

Moreover, my work has given voice to the survivors of the FLDS, providing them with a platform to share their stories and seek justice. By exposing the hidden truths of this secretive community, I hope to prevent similar abuses from happening in the future.

The legacy of my investigation will continue to resonate for years to come. It is a reminder that even the most secretive and oppressive organizations can be held accountable for their actions and that the voices of the marginalized deserve to be heard.

Prophet's Prey: My Seven-Year Investigation into Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints

by Sam Brower

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7426 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE