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Alex Cabrero ReportingWarren Jeffs will soon make his way to Utah. The Fundamentalist church leader waived extradition today in Las Vegas. In an agreement between Arizona and Utah, he will come here, first, but the polygamist leader's influence could keep some witnesses from testifying.
Jeffs is facing two charges of rape as an accomplice in Washington County, but some say two might not be anywhere close to the true number. If there are more victims out there, they might not be willing to come forward and testify because of who Jeff's is.
It's a sight many people never thought they'd see, Warren Jeffs, the FLDS prophet, reduced to an accused criminal in shackles.
Rowenna Erickson, Tapestry Against Polygamy: "Ha ha ha! It was a mixture of surprise and elation."
Rowenna Erickson sure never thought this day would come. She's a co-founder of Tapestry Against Polygamy, a group striving to help those who want to escape from the type of religious control Jeffs was a master of.
At one time, Erickson, was in a polygamous group.
Rowenna Erickson: "The shame, the guilt of doing what they told you to do, and the lies. You had to live your whole life as a lie, and live in fear."
Even though Jeff's is now in custody, it's the fear that may prevent people who want to come forward from doing so.
Brock Belnap, Washington County District Attorney: "I want you to know we'll do all in our power to respect your concerns, to preserve your privacy, and provide assistance."
Washington County district attorney Brock Belnap will get to prosecute Jeff's first, with the help of a young woman who's willing to testify about what she says Jeffs controlling ways did to her.
Brock Belnap: "She understands what the court proceedings will entail, and she's prepared to go forward."
Rowenna Erickson: "It's time for this to happen."
Erickson feels for others to come forward it's going to take unbelievable courage.
Rowenna Erickson: "People need to know these stories. They need to know what's really going on here."
Erickson says for any more potential victims to come forward, the state will have to offer a lot of protection because with something like this there is a lot of fear.
