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Sam Penrod ReportingA temple in Texas, a compound in Arizona, and now video of Polygamist Warren Jeffs' newly discovered development in South Dakota. Tonight, a first look at property in South Dakota that appears to be yet another hideout for fugitive polygamous leader Warren Jeffs.
It's one of at least four locations outside of Utah and Arizona with ties to FLDS leader Warren Jeffs. Eyewitness News first reported Wednesday night about the South Dakota property. Today, the first video from it.
These land deeds detail that the property was purchased by the same man who bought the FLDS land in Texas. The Texas Ranch has been known about for two years now, and documents show the South Dakota property has been owned by the FLDS Church for just as long, but it was only discovered by outsiders this week.
A dirt road leads to property that has direct ties to FLDS church. Fences with "No Trespassing" and "Keep Out" signs line the property. The land, located in the southwest corner of South Dakota, appears to be another place that may be a hideout for FLDS leader Warren Jeffs.
Sam Brower, Private Investigator: "The places we have found so far have been remote places, they are places they can hide in easily that don't have building codes or laws that are favorable to them."
This South Dakota property is much smaller than the FLDS settlement in Texas. It is only 100 acres, but already has several buildings and 60 people are estimated to be living their.
Sam Brower, Private Investigator: "They have learned how to hide things in shell corporations, under other people's names and so forth, been getting really skillful at hiding their identity and whereabouts."
Private detective Sam Brower and author Jon Krakuer took photos of the area. They believe it is a spot where Warren Jeffs has sought refuge as he is pursued on charges of performing underage polygamous marriages. Its discovery, they believe, may make it difficult for him to return.
Sam Brower, Private Investigator: "The fact it is out in the open now is always a detriment to them. Their thinking and their society is so closed that to find something like this they have hidden so well and for so long, is something they didn't want to happen."
Warren Jeffs still remains a federal fugitive from justice. There is now a 50-thousand dollar reward for his arrest.
