Post by Logan on Apr 3, 2016 5:18:38 GMT -6
Leader of SD Mormon sect released from jail in food stamp fraud case
SALT LAKE CITY — A leader of a South Dakota branch ranch compound allegedly involved in a multi-million dollar food stamp fraud scheme based on the polygamous Mormon sect's base on the Utah-Arizona has been released from jail.
U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart made a surprise decision Friday to release Seth Jeffs, who authorities say is the bishop of over the South Dakota congregation of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The judge says he must stay in southern Utah, though he'll likely get permission to travel to South Dakota for water testing. The sect's compound southeast of Rapid City has sought local government permission to increase its water use. The fenced-in, guarded compound has raised curiosity and concern from local officials and neighboring residents.
His release leaves only one person, Lyle Jeffs, still behind bars out of 11 people charged. Authorities say they diverted at least $12 million worth of federal benefits, and Seth Jeffs ordered food stamp recipients to buy items to put in the church's storehouse.
Read more: www.capjournal.com/news/leader-of-sd-mormon-sect-released-from-jail-in-food/article_dcf71e52-f880-11e5-a910-f7caba20ed39.html
SALT LAKE CITY — A leader of a South Dakota branch ranch compound allegedly involved in a multi-million dollar food stamp fraud scheme based on the polygamous Mormon sect's base on the Utah-Arizona has been released from jail.
U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart made a surprise decision Friday to release Seth Jeffs, who authorities say is the bishop of over the South Dakota congregation of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The judge says he must stay in southern Utah, though he'll likely get permission to travel to South Dakota for water testing. The sect's compound southeast of Rapid City has sought local government permission to increase its water use. The fenced-in, guarded compound has raised curiosity and concern from local officials and neighboring residents.
His release leaves only one person, Lyle Jeffs, still behind bars out of 11 people charged. Authorities say they diverted at least $12 million worth of federal benefits, and Seth Jeffs ordered food stamp recipients to buy items to put in the church's storehouse.
Read more: www.capjournal.com/news/leader-of-sd-mormon-sect-released-from-jail-in-food/article_dcf71e52-f880-11e5-a910-f7caba20ed39.html