The notorious polygamist Warren Jeffs, leader of the Colorado City FLDS sect (a rogue fundametalist group not associated with the mainstream LDS church) has been arrested and is in custody in Nevada, most likely awaiting extradition to Arizona or Utah.

One of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted, Jeffs was captured on a routine traffic stop today in Las Vegas. Jeffs, who's Colorado City, Arizona compound straddles two states, is accused of crimes in both Arizona and neighboring Hillsdale, Utah. He is accused of having sex with a minor and of facilitation of rape in connection with arranged marriages between older men and underage girls.

Flora Jessop escaped from the FLDS compound after years of abuse in the compound and has helped others escape in a way reminiscent of the Underground Railroad. She has been instrumental in helping others escape the abuse of the sect. Her national media appearances exposing the issue and demanding accountability of those in the sect who continue to exploit children in polygamist, often incestuos abuse and finance their lifestyle. This story is a particulary good account of the issues.

Jessop and others have related numerous examples of the "culture of abuse" perpetrated in the sect. Jessop tells of abuse that began virtually at birth. Babies were not allowed to cry, one of the major ways they communicate. They would soon learn to be quiet after being repeatedly slapped or held under water when they cried, setting the stage for a lifetime of mind control and abuse.

The cult-like compound has been the focus of investigations into polygamy, incest, welfare fraud and child exploitation. be s It has been said that Jeffs had up to 80 wives and he is accused of facilitating marriages between children and older men, often relatives. Another tactic was driving young boys out of town and cutting their ties with family, leaving these "Lost Boys" to fend for themselves so that young girls could be married to older men. It is really the systematic abuse of children, rather than the idea of polygamy itself that is at issue in this case.

Jeffs is considered a prophet by devoted followers, many of whom refuse to speak to those outside thegroup. The entire town is believed to be under his command and some have said they believed that Jeffs would only be captured in a Waco-like firestorm (if at all,) possibly at his compound in El Dorado, Texas or others inn the West.

Thanks to a courageous survivor and an alert Nevada trooper, this dangerous fugitive has been captured peacefully.