Girl Kidnapped After Warren Jeffs’ Revelation Found Safe in North Dakota

A 10-year-old girl, who authorities said was kidnapped following a “revelation” from imprisoned polygamist leader Warren Jeffs, has been found safe in North Dakota. The girl’s father, Dowayne Barlow, told FOX 13 News that she is now being reunited with her mother. “She’s safe, she’s found,” Barlow said.

In a statement, Barlow expressed gratitude and described the situation as a “tremendous miracle.” He noted that his daughter had been abducted by her uncle, Heber Jeffs, who is also a nephew of FLDS leader Warren Jeffs. Homeland Security is set to deliver the girl from North Dakota to her mother within the next 24 hours.

Piute County Attorney Scott Burns confirmed that Heber Jeffs had been arrested and would face extradition to Utah on a warrant for child kidnapping. Jeffs, 54, is currently jailed in Minot, North Dakota, where he will appear before a judge on Monday.

Barlow explained that he had been forbidden from seeing his daughter after leaving the Fundamentalist LDS Church. His former wife had primary custody of the girl and had placed her in the care of her brother, Heber Jeffs. Court documents stated that when the girl told Jeffs she was taking her daughter, Jeffs told her she would “not be allowed access to her child unless she was going to get back in the Church (FLDS) by writing to Helaman Jeffs or Warren Jeffs.” They then disappeared.

The Piute County Attorney filed first-degree felony kidnapping charges against Heber Jeffs. Their disappearance follows a “revelation” in August by Warren Jeffs from his Texas prison cell, where he is serving a life sentence for child sexual assault related to underage “marriages.” Jeffs has been reasserting control over the Utah-based FLDS Church, calling some people back into the faith and splitting families up.

Prosecutors wrote in court documents that through Warren Jeffs’ revelation, he commanded FLDS female members to quit their current employment or activities and “gather” to prepare for relocation as directed by Jeffs and/or Helaman Jeffs. This directive contributed to the family’s separation.

In an interview with FOX 13 News, Barlow described the emotional toll of his daughter’s kidnapping. He noted that their experience is not unique, as other families have also been affected by the FLDS taking children to remote areas. The situation highlights the ongoing impact of the group’s practices on families and communities, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of those involved.

Source: Read the original report