SelectPlusIncest Charges Dropped Against Polygamist LeaderIncest Charges Dropped Against Polygamist LeaderThe Associated PressA criminal investigation into allegations of sexual abuse at a polygamist sect ranch in Texas continues, while the group's jailed leader, has learned he will not face incest charges in Arizona. (June 5)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] [Notes:jeffs in court - FILE]Warren Jeffs - on the far left -- is now in jail, serving time in Utah as an accomplice to rape in the marriage of an underage girl.He is revered as the prophet of the FLDS church - the breakaway sect from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He also faces similar charges in Arizona. Wednesday, a judge in that state dismissed four incest charges against Jeffs...but four charges of sexual conduct with a minor will stand.Those charges carry a sentence of anywhere from probation to 8 years behind bars. [Notes:shots of ranch in Texas, cutaways of sect members] The FLDS church is the same group that operates the Living for Zion ranch in Texas, where officials seized 440 children in April. The last of the children were returned to their parents on Wednesday, but authorities say a criminal investigation is still underway. [Notes:file of Jeffs in custody]And, last week, Texas investigators took DNA from Jeffs. They say they are looking for evidence of relationships between Jeffs and four girls between 12 and 15 years old. [Notes:various of sect properties] The sect operates properties in Utah, Arizona, Texas and elsewhere and officials are faced with trying to determine jurisdiction in many cases under investigation. [Notes:sect members]They say it is also possible that many cases will have to be dropped unless victims agree to testify. ___ ___, The Associated Press
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