I’ve always been fascinated by cults. There’s something about the psychological manipulation that makes me check my own doorknobs twice at night. But few cult leaders have maintained their grip from behind bars quite like Warren Jeffs.
Despite serving a life sentence plus 20 years (which, let’s be honest, is just prison’s way of saying “we really, really mean it”), Jeffs continues to pull strings in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints like a puppetmaster with particularly long arms.
The Man, The Myth, The Megalomaniac
For those who haven’t fallen down this particular true crime rabbit hole yet, Warren Jeffs took control of the FLDS after his father Rulon’s death in 2002. Think of it as the world’s creepiest family business succession plan.
Under his leadership, the FLDS community became increasingly isolated and controlled. Jeffs assigned marriages, separated families, and expelled young men (called “Lost Boys”) to eliminate competition for young brides. I’m not kidding—this was literally his strategy. As subtle as a bloodstain on white carpet.
His reign ended in 2006 when he landed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list faster than you can say “child sexual assault.” After a dramatic traffic stop (he was hiding under blankets in the back of an SUV—real criminal mastermind stuff), Jeffs faced justice for arranging marriages between adult men and underage girls.
Last year, a court ordered Jeffs to pay $152 million to survivors of sexual abuse. Justice served? Partially. But the cult lives on.
Prison Prophet: How Does He Still Control Everything?
You’d think being locked up would diminish someone’s influence. For normal people, maybe. For cult leaders? Prison just adds to their martyr complex.
From his cell, Jeffs continues issuing “revelations” and directives through loyal family members. His brothers Lyle and Seth have acted as his mouthpieces, though they’ve had their own legal troubles. (The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, especially when the tree is growing in contaminated soil.)
The FLDS faithful believe Jeffs is being persecuted for his religious beliefs rather than, you know, actual crimes. This persecution narrative only strengthens their resolve. Classic cult psychology—if Ryan were here, he’d roll his eyes at how textbook it all is.
The FLDS Today: Fractured But Fanatical
The Southern Poverty Law Center designates the FLDS as a hate group, noting its promotion of racist, homophobic, and misogynistic teachings. But what’s happening inside the community now?
Reports from former members suggest the remaining FLDS faithful have become even more secretive and isolated. Many live in compounds in remote areas of Utah, Arizona, Texas, South Dakota, and even Canada. (Would I survive in an FLDS compound? Absolutely not. My questioning nature and inability to keep quiet would get me expelled faster than you can say “prairie dress.”)
The community has faced significant legal challenges beyond Jeffs’ conviction. In 2016, eleven FLDS leaders were charged with food stamp fraud for directing members to give their SNAP benefits to the church—a scheme worth millions.
The Unraveling: Cracks in the Foundation
Despite the faithful core, many have left the FLDS since Jeffs’ imprisonment. Former members describe a community in decline, with dwindling resources and increasing paranoia.
Jeffs’ more extreme “revelations” have driven some away. At one point, he limited the men who could father children to just 15 selected individuals. (Nothing says “healthy religious practice” like reproductive eugenics!)
Meanwhile, those who leave face enormous challenges. Many have limited education, no access to their birth certificates or identification, and have been taught that the outside world is evil. Former members often struggle with trauma, family separation, and basic life skills.
Why This Matters
The FLDS saga isn’t just a fascinating true crime story—it’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of isolation, unquestioned authority, and religious extremism.
Children born into the FLDS never chose this life. Women and girls have been treated as property. And while we might shake our heads at how anyone could follow Warren Jeffs, remember that most FLDS members were born into this system or joined before his more extreme policies.
The story of the FLDS under Warren Jeffs’ shadow reminds us that cults don’t just disappear when their leader is removed. The psychological bonds, fear, and isolation often persist long after.
And that, true crime friends, is scarier than any locked door.