Warren Steed Jeffs, born on December 3, 1955, in Sacramento, California, has left an indelible mark on American religious history as the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church). At 68 years old, Jeffs’ life has been shrouded in controversy, marked by legal troubles, a strict upbringing, and a position of power within the FLDS community.
Warren Jeffs Early Life & Education:
Born prematurely to Rulon Jeffs and Merilyn Steed, Warren Jeffs’ upbringing was within the confines of the FLDS community, situated outside Salt Lake City, Utah. Raised under the disciplined hand of his father, who later became the President of the FLDS Church, Jeffs’ formative years were characterized by a strict adherence to the community’s rules and values.
Warren Jeffs Personal Life:
As the leader of the FLDS Church, Warren Jeffs practiced polygamy, reportedly having as many as 87 wives. Among them, Naomi Jessop stood out as his favorite and confidant. Jeffs wielded significant authority, arranging marriages within the community and even reassigning wives, children, and homes to different men. However, his control over the FLDS Church waned after his conviction and imprisonment.
Warren Jeffs Career:
Before assuming the role of President and Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the FLDS Church in 2002, Warren Jeffs served as a counselor to his father. His leadership was marked by the exertion of control over the community’s land and resources, as well as the continuation of the controversial practice of plural marriage.
Jeffs gained national attention in 2006 when he landed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List for his involvement in illegal marriages between adult male followers and underage girls. His arrest that same year in Nevada ultimately led to his conviction on multiple sex crimes involving children. In 2011, he was sentenced to life in prison for sexual assault of a minor and aggravated sexual assault against a child.
Warren Jeffs Net Worth:
While the exact net worth of Warren Jeffs remains unknown, estimates place it at around $13 million. This figure is derived from his control over the FLDS Church’s assets, including extensive land holdings in Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah, valued at over $100 million.
Warren Jeffs Social Media:
Despite the era of social media, Warren Jeffs maintains an elusive presence, with no known Instagram or Twitter handles.
FAQ:
Q: What is Warren Jeffs best known for?
A: Warren Jeffs is best known as the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church), a polygamous movement, and for his involvement in multiple sex crimes involving children.
Q: How did Warren Jeffs gain national attention?
A: Warren Jeffs gained national attention in 2006 when he was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List for his role in illegal marriages between adult male followers and underage girls.
Q: What is Warren Jeffs’ current status?
A: As of the latest information, Warren Jeffs is in prison, serving a life sentence for sexual assault of a minor and aggravated sexual assault against a child.
Conclusion:
The life of Warren Jeffs is a complex tapestry woven with power, controversy, and legal entanglements. As he serves his sentence, the FLDS community faces the challenge of navigating a future without the leadership of a man who once held sway over its members’ lives. The legacy of Warren Jeffs remains a cautionary tale of the intersection between religious authority, legal boundaries, and the impact on those ensnared in its web.