Tuesday, July 29, 2008 #

Senate Hearing on FLDS

On July 11, 2008, I received a call from a lawyer in Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office who invited me to testify at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing planned for July 24. Senator Reid had followed through on his commitment to launch a federal investigation and introduce a bill in the Senate regarding crimes associated with polygamy. He'd also invited the Attorney Generals from Texas, Arizona, and Utah to testify, along with two U.S. Attorneys. I was on a panel that included Dr. Dan Fischer, whose family Warren Jeffs had torn apart, and Carolyn Jessop, an ex-FLDS wife. We all presented written statements and were then questioned by several members of the Judiciary Committee. Senator Reid himself delivered the opening remarks and pushed forward his theme that this sect resembles organized crime. The day before, he'd submitted a bill asking for money for a task force to investigate the FLDS and other funds for victims of the sect. In the days leading up to the hearing, the FLDS launched fierce criticism against Senator Reid and those who were testifying. The Senator was unfazed and his commitment to this issue has been unwavering. 
On July 22, Warren Jeffs and five other men were indicted in Texas for allegedly committing bigamy and underage marriage. By July 28, all had been taken into custody. Jeffs may be extradited to Texas for these criminal proceedings.

posted @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 2:27 AM | Feedback (0)