Jeffs went on trial in 2011 in Texas for two “celestial marriages”: one with a 12-year-old girl and another with a 15-year-old girl who later had his child. Both unions violated Texas law. He was found guilty on both counts of sexual assault and sentenced to life in prison, where he remains today.
Is Warren Jeffs dead?
Samuel Bateman’s teachings directly contradicted the final instructions Warren Jeffs left for his followers. For instance, Jeffs had prohibited new marriages and the birth of additional children, yet Bateman actively pursued both.
Trust Me: The False Prophet reveals that Bateman claimed Jeffs had actually died while in custody, alleging the government was falsely asserting he was alive and that Bateman was now channelling Jeffs’ authority.
There is no evidence to support Bateman’s claims. Recorded documentation confirms that Warren Jeffs is very much alive, though still incarcerated.
Where is Warren Jeffs now?
According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate database, Warren Jeffs is currently serving his sentence at the Louis C. Powledge Unit in unincorporated Anderson County, Texas. He was transferred there in August 2011 following his conviction.
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Jeffs does not have a projected release date and will not be eligible for parole until July 22, 2038.
Reports indicate that Jeffs has faced serious health challenges while incarcerated. In 2007, he reportedly attempted suicide by hanging. In 2011, he was hospitalised for pneumonia after participating in a three-day fast, highlighting the ongoing struggles he has faced behind bars.
Does Warren Jeffs still have followers?
In March 2016, the Deseret News reported that Warren Jeffs sometimes receives more than 1,000 letters per day from FLDS members. Each letter must be opened and inspected by prison staff before he can read it.
Many FLDS members continue to regard Jeffs as their prophet and adhere to his teachings. According to A&E, prison officials have suspected that Jeffs’ brothers used hidden recording devices, disguised as everyday items like watches and pens, to capture weekly meetings with him. Jeffs was also believed to have written coded letters, which were intercepted and deciphered by followers, including some of his wives.