DENVER (AP) — The brother of a fugitive polygamist leader Warren Jeffs was freed on $25,000 bond Monday despite objections from prosecutors.
Seth Jeffs, of Hildale, Utah, faces a federal charge of concealing a fugitive. Authorities found nearly $142,000 in cash, about $7,000 worth of prepaid debit and phone cards and Warren Jeffs' personal papers in Seth Jeffs' SUV during an Oct. 28 traffic stop in Pueblo.
Prosecutors contend he was providing the means for Warren Jeffs, 49, to remain on the run.
Seth Jeffs, 32, told authorities he was taking the money and documents to Texas for the Leaders of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which the elder Jeffs heads.
Jeffs' release was briefly delayed when Magistrate Judge Craig Shaffer refused to accept a facsimile of a property lien that was used to secure bond.
During a hearing Thursday, federal prosecutor Philip Brimmer said Jeffs should be held without bond because he might be able to elude authorities through a network of church members in Utah, Arizona, Texas, Mexico and Canada. Shaffer ruled that despite evidence that Jeffs may flee, he didn't want to penalize someone simply because they were a member of a particular religious community.
U.S. attorney spokesman Jeff Dorschner declined comment. Jeffs is to be arraigned on Nov. 17.
Shaffer has ruled prosecutors have enough evidence to pursue a case against Seth Jeffs. He told arresting officers he didn't know where his brother was, but also said he wouldn't reveal his whereabouts if he knew them, according to an arrest affidavit.
Warren Jeffs has been a fugitive since his June indictment in Arizona on charges of arranging a marriage between a 16-year-old girl and a married man. The FBI added a charge of unlawful flight against Jeffs and joined the search for him.
Arizona General Terry Goddard has said Warren Jeffs has been a regular visitor to the church's ranch near Eldorado, Texas. Authorities in Texas dispute that.