Washington, USA - The Senate Judiciary Committee today is discussing the possibility of a federal investigation of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The church is suspected of federal crimes, possibly including racketeering.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid requested the panel and was joined by a group of former polygamists, law enforcement officials, attorneys and authors to discuss a federal-state partnership aimed at policing polygamist communities.
Reid, who is a practicing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told the committee that polygamy is a form of organized crime.
"Witnesses at this hearing will describe a web of criminal conduct that includes welfare fraud, tax evasion, massive corruption and strong-arm tactics to maintain what they think is the status quo," Reid said.
Other witnesses questioned whether a federal task force is appropriate. The U.S. district attorney for Utah, Brett Tolman, said infiltration or witness cooperation are much better options.
Former polygamist Carolyn Jessop criticized the FLDS church for child abuse, control over law enforcement and welfare fraud. She said "bleeding the beast" means two things: FLDS members should avoid paying taxes at all costs and should also apply for every possible type of government assistance that is available.
In a letter to the committee, Salt Lake City attorney Rod Parker says it's unfortunate the panel will meet to discuss polygamy without allowing the subjects of the hearing to participate or respond.
Meanwhile, Texas authorities are looking for five members of a polygamous sect charged with child sex abuse and other crimes. A Texas grand jury handed down indictments against the five men earlier this week, along with one for Warren Jeffs, the leader of the FLDS Church.