By Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
Two people who helped the FBI track down and arrest polygamous leader Lyle Jeffs received a combined $50,000 reward from the bureau.
Jeffs, the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, fled from his home in Salt Lake City in June 2016 after he was awaiting trial on food stamp fraud charges.
The tipsters spotted Jeffs pawning tools at a Yankton, South Dakota, store in early June 2o17.
A day later, an off-duty police officer spotted Jeff’s vehicle in Yankton, conducted a traffic stop and arrest the fugitive.
“This case highlights the importance of reporting anything suspicious, no matter how insignificant it may seem,” said FBI Salt Lake City Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dan Brady. “In this case, the tipsters were observant and acted on instinct. There is no doubt their involvement led to Jeffs’ quick arrest.”
