Fugitive FLDS defendant in food stamp fraud arrested in South Dakota

A fugitive polygamous congregational leader who escaped federal custody amid court proceedings over a large-scale church-organized food stamp fraud has been arrested in South Dakota a year after his disappearance from the Salt Lake area.

Lyle Steed Jeffs, 57, of Hildale was booked by the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office at 11:43 p.m. Wednesday, about the time rumors began spreading on social media of his capture.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Barnhart said Thursday during a Wasatch Front news conference that Jeffs was arrested after authorities received a tip two weeks ago that he classified as "a very credible sighting" that led authorities to "flood the area (of Yankton, S.D.) with resources."

Jeffs was found to be living out of his vehicle, believed to be a Ford F-150 pickup truck, Barnhart said.

Read more: http://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/2017/06/15/fugitive-flds-defendant-food-stamp-fraud-arrested-sd/399249001/