Warren Jeffs’ Children Continue to Speak Out After His Imprisonment

Roy Jeffs, one of Warren Jeffs’ children, became the first to leave the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and speak publicly about the abuse he endured. His brother, Becky Jeffs, joined him in exposing their father’s crimes. Their 2015 appearance on Lisa Ling’s CNN show “This is Life” brought widespread attention to the abuse within the FLDS community. Roy revealed that he, too, had been molested by Jeffs, an act that was part of a broader pattern of sexual abuse within the group.

Warren Jeffs, the FLDS leader and self-proclaimed prophet, was sentenced to life in prison in 2011 for sexually assaulting his own children and underage girls. The FLDS, an unaffiliated offshoot of the mainstream LDS Church, continues to practice polygamy, a practice now prohibited by the LDS Church. Jeffs had as many as 80 wives, many of whom were underage, and fathered up to 60 children, though estimates vary.

The FLDS community, led by Jeffs, lived in compounds across the Southwest, including in Utah, Texas, Colorado, and the Utah-Arizona border near Hildale and Colorado City. The group moved frequently to avoid authorities. Jeffs controlled nearly every aspect of life, including marriage arrangements, dress codes, and education. His followers, despite his imprisonment, still regard him as their prophet.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Rulon Jeffs, Warren’s son, also had numerous wives and children. The FLDS continues to operate under Jeffs’ teachings, though his incarceration has not stopped the group’s practices. The community remains isolated, with strict rules governing its members’ lives.

The exposure of Jeffs’ crimes has had lasting effects on his children. Some have pursued paths outside the FLDS, while others have faced tragedy. The group’s practices have drawn scrutiny from governments and religious institutions, highlighting ongoing legal and ethical concerns. The FLDS remains a subject of controversy, with its leadership and doctrines under continued examination.

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