Woman files lawsuit against Jeffs
 
By Patrice St. Germain
patrices@thespectrum.com
 
ST GEORGE - A lawsuit was filed in 5th District Court in Iron County Tuesday afternoon against Warren Jeffs, prophet of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, on behalf of a woman who alleges that Jeffs commanded her to enter into a spiritual marriage with an adult man many years her senior without her consent, a marriage license or legal sanction when she was still a minor.

The civil case, which will be heard by Judge Michael Westfall, was filed by the Salt Lake City law firm of Hoole & King in behalf of a woman identified only as "M.J." Attorney Roger Hoole would not reveal his client's age, the name of her spiritual husband or the number of children the two had in an effort to protect her identity. Hoole said at this point he is not asking for a specific amount in damages.

Jeffs is the leader of the FLDS church, a polygamous group based in the twin cities of Hildale and Colorado City, Ariz. Court documents state that Jeffs instructed and commanded "M.J." and a man identified only as "S.J." to live together as husband and wife and "to produce children and thereby multiply and replenish the Earth. After Jeffs performed the spiritual marriage, 'M.J.' was required to participate as commanded in the spiritual marriage and engage in non-consensual sexual intercourse with 'S.J.'"

In addition to Jeffs, the court document names the FLDS church, the corporation of the president of the FLDS church, corporation of the presiding bishop of the FLDS church and "Does" one through 20 as defendants.

Hoole said he is demanding a jury trial for the case, which was filed in Iron County because it is the most convenient site for his client. He declined to comment if the spiritual marriage or other alleged crimes mentioned in the lawsuit occurred in Iron County. He would only say the allegations listed in the civil suit occurred in Utah and while his client was a young girl.

Other allegations listed in the lawsuit include:
  • Conspiracy to commit battery and sexual abuse of a child;

  • Infliction of emotional distress;

  • Outrage; and

  • Breach of fiduciary duties against Jeffs.
The document states that "the conduct of Warren Jeffs and the FLDS Church, as alleged herein, was so extreme that it went beyond all possible bounds of decency and is regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in a civilized society." It also contends that "M.J." "has suffered severe pain, emotional distress and permanent injury" as a result of wrongful conduct by Jeffs and the FLDS church.

Iron County Attorney Scott Garrett said he is not aware of a criminal investigation in Iron County against Warren Jeffs.

"If there was a criminal action in Iron County and we had proof of it, we would pursue it," Garrett said.

This is the third civil case Hoole has filed against Jeffs who is also facing two criminal charges in Mohave County, Ariz. and has a federal warrant for his arrest issued by the FBI.

Other lawsuits Hoole is involved with against Jeffs include one representing the so-called "Lost Boys" - young men driven from the twin cities of Hildale and Colorado City, Ariz. - as well as a lawsuit in behalf of Brent Jeffs who is suing his uncle, Warren Jeffs, who he says molested him.

"I'm really hoping this case is fully aired in public and he (Jeffs) comes forward with a defense, but so far, he has refused to respond to any claims and basically admitted to them by default and silence," Hoole said.

Hoole said work on the other lawsuits is somewhat on hold because of the "encouraging work related to the United Effort Plan trust," the financial arm of the FLDS church.

The court is appointing an advisory board of trustees and the trust is being reformed by a judge. Hoole said that means the church followers will not lose their homes.

"Warren Jeffs has no control over their homes although he still has control over their minds, but that is giving way, too," Hoole said.
 
TheSpectrum.com
Originally published December 14, 2005
 
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