Victims' Refuge

Arizona and Utah officials decide to curb underage marriages by erecting a sheriff's substation in polygamy country

Comments (0) By John Dougherty Thursday, Aug 28 2003

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After the verdicts, AG Shurtleff announced that his office is investigating the leader of the fundamentalist enclave, Prophet Warren Jeffs, for allegedly having sexual relations with two underage spiritual wives with whom he bore children.

Holm's conviction is putting additional pressure on police regulatory agencies in Arizona and Utah to permanently decertify the Colorado City police force.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff is leading the charge.

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A high-ranking Utah law enforcement official said it is essential for both Arizona and Utah to immediately remove the polygamist-controlled Colorado City department and replace it with deputies from the two county sheriff's departments. In addition, Hildale and Colorado City should be forced to pay for the police services provided by the counties, he said.

The official also expressed concern over waiting until next year to erect the substation. "I think it needs to be done now," he said, recommending that a portable building be used until the permanent facility is completed.