Warren Jeffs is serving a life sentence in Texas. (File)
AUSTIN (November 28, 2012)--The state of Texas is trying to seize ownership of Warren Jeffs' secluded polygamist ranch where prosecutors say the convicted sect leader and a dozen followers sexually assaulted children.
The Texas attorney general's office filed a seizure warrant Wednesday in rural Schleicher County where a judge will determine whether the state can take control of the massive property owned by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Until then, sect members are allowed to continue living on the ranch.
It's not clear how many families are now living at the Yearning for Zion ranch in Eldorado, 45 miles south of San Angelo.
A 91-page affidavit submitted along with the warrant details “ how proceeds from illegal activity were used to purchase the ranch, which FLDS leaders bought in a failed attempt to establish a remote outpost where they could insulate themselves from criminal prosecution for sexually assaulting children,” the Texas Attorney Generals Office said Wednesday.
Jeffs was convicted last year of sexually assaulting two of his underage brides.
He is serving a life sentence in Texas.
