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FBI announces $50,000 reward for info on FLDS leader Lyle Jeffs

Posted at 10:00 AM, Aug 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-29 20:54:22-04

SALT LAKE CITY - The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of FLDS leader Lyle Jeffs.

Eric Barnhart, the special agent in charge of the Salt Lake City field office of the FBI says Warren Jeffs contacted his brother Lyle with a message in July.

"We believe that Lyle Jeffs received directions from his brother Warren but did not follow them to the satisfaction of his brother Warren, due-in-part to his concerns of being arrested by law enforcement," Barnhart said.

This led to some kind of falling out between the brothers, but the FBI isn't sure how serious it is.

"Despite his potential falling out with his brother, we still believe he has supporters who are willing to hide him," Barnhart said.

The FBI is hoping the reward will be an incentive to some of the followers who may be losing faith.

"People who may come in and out of his orbit may not have the same level of loyalty to him and again that’s part of what we hope," Barnhart said.

As for the timing and amount of the reward, Barnhart said, it's all pretty typical.

"If you look at fugitive investigations were involved in rarely is a reward offered right away. It’s sort of a natural progression," Barnhart said.

The FBI says Jeffs could be anywhere, from here in Utah to overseas, but they're confident he'll be back in custody soon.

"The world has gotten a lot smaller. It’s gotten a lot smaller since Warren Jeffs was on the most wanted list in 2006. Again, it’s just a matter of time," Barnhart said.

Lyle Jeffs Reward Final