Denver, USA - 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's personal papers in Seth's SUV during an Oct. 28 traffic stop in Pueblo, Colo.
Prosecutors contend he was providing the means for Warren, 49, to remain on the run.
Seth, 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.
Seth's 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 Seth 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 Seth might 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 to comment. Seth 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 Warren.
Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard has said Warren has been a regular visitor to the church's ranch near Eldorado, Texas. Authorities in Texas dispute that.
The FBI received reports of sightings in Utah in October.
The FLDS split from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the early 20th century. The breakaway sect's membership is estimated at 6,000 to 10,000. It has property in Arizona, Utah and Texas and members in Canada and Mexico.