The Pharisee Stops by to Visit Texas (FLDS News Explodes!)

Extra! Extra! Read all about it, the Pharisee is in Texas on this Big Day.

I continue to have limited blogging ability. It's because in my new job I am rarely in a place where I can blog. There is no restriction on my doing so from my new employer but it's always one thing or the other, I have the time, but not the access, the access but not the time, both time and access but literally no power. Computers love power.

Toes has uncovered the strong possibility that Blues is either someone else (making me WRONG again!)(well, not really) that is related to Greg J. Prickett. Read all about it.

Blues has closed his/her/their blog, which you all probably know by now.

Bill Medvecky reveals that when the Rock of Sacred Identification was cast into the Dark Anti FLDS Bat Cave, the winged rats started flying in all directions.

Ain't life grand?

To me, "TxBluesMan's" identity has always been a way to get behind the curtain. The Blogger(s) were either important power players, or being fed by them as fronts. It appears now that the latter is true with Bill's claim (believe me it's well founded) that the Texas AG's office is materially involved:

"Who would have thought that an Assistant Attorney General of the State of Texas would have not only jeopardized her Bar License, but will result in the overturning of all of the convictions made so far for giving opposing council (At the time), illegal access to States Evidence.

Personally, I DO NOT believe Ms. Goodman worked alone. I would not be surprised in the least if barbie knew what she was doing at the time. The likelyhood that she took it upon herself to supply Natalie with the States evidence without Nichol’s knowledge and/or approval is also slim. Did good old Ironsides know? Probably."

If provable (I have no doubt that someone in the Texas AG's office was helping, along with others), this news should implode the states cases and blow up at least some if not all of their convictions. I honestly don't know how it affects the plea bargained cases since they preserved their right of appeal, and I in my humble opinion don't see how this news affects appeals, directly.

Here's how it might work: Now that the State's surrogate Ms. Malonis and one of the AG's office have put themselves in jeopardy, the highly politicized judiciary of Texas will suddenly decide to "hear" the evidence appeal, and find (shock) that the Evidence was collected illegally. There will be some conference (all verbal and off the record) in which the State of Texas suggests to FLDS attorneys that they drop the chase of their Cavalcade of Criminal Civil Servants and back of the prosecution of private parties, that the appeal will be expedited and upheld. The FLDS will probably take it. For the rest of our sakes I would hope they would role the dice and tear down the criminal house of Texas LE, but they probably will not. My guess is they will settle for damages and go home. Warren will shortly be a free man if this is the case.

In analyzing Ms. Malonis' sudden departure as attorney for Bruce Wisan and for Carolyn Jessop, all I can say is you don't stop when you're winning, unless really, you just lost big behind the scenes. An attorney jumping off the horse in midstream is either unethical, or the result of unethical behavior. We can assume the latter is the most likely explanation.

How did this all start? I can't say that I did it. Such connections have been suspected for a long time, but the strategy is indeed mine (though probably not exclusively so). Find someone in the "Blues" camp. Paint the target. Get target lock and tone. Watch 'em scatter and start taking names.

My "Unnamed Source" (who may be named anytime he/she wishes) was researching "GregJackP" (Prickett) and his connection with another Wikipedia user/editor identified as Natalie Malonis. As you may know, I take the position that "Climate Change" as "anthropogenic" is a myth. From what I can tell, my unnamed source doesn't see it that way. The fact though that I was involved in a "WikiWar" and got banned (here comes the silver lining) and the fact that I blogroll anti anthropogenic climate change blogs made my blog the result of a Google search. And my source read all about it.

And started putting two and two together.

And emailed me Friday, September 10th and asked if he/she could call me. I emailed the source my phone number, and it went from there. So on Sunday the 12th, I blogged a picture of Greg Prickett and asked "WhoDat?" I wasn't going to do that but the unnamed source (who was not doing what they were doing at my bidding or knowing who I was) had already called Greg. He had been alerted.

The source and I have since become friends and we talk often.

Shortly before that I had given all the information to a variety of real "operatives" having also immediately disclosed the information to people who could communicate it to the FLDS. The strategy switched from "sneak up behind them" to "shock and awe" and watch the rats scatter while taking inventory of their identities and their incriminating behavior.

It now appears that people on the "other side" are talking to save their skins and the 10,000 piece jigsaw puzzle suddenly began to take shape and the rest of the pieces of course, started to fall in place. Believe me, a selfish part of me would have been tempted to keep the story close to the chest until more parts of the puzzle fell in place and published a big piece on my blog (the seagull mentality, mine mine mine) but this has never been about me so as I said, I distributed the information and those various cooperative independent "operatives" went to work with their God Given unique and similar talents.

Naming Toes,Bill Medvecky, Da Vulture and Scott Ledbetter doesn't paint the whole picture, they were just the ones who have been public about their involvement, but the list is longer.

In the end what I hope and pray for is a total discrediting of the various local, state and national law enforcement agencies involved. I would hope that a legalization of polygyny grows out of this. I would like for those that proposed the fate of the FLDS, to go to jail.

Jail you say Hugh? I thought you did not approve of jails.

I don't, but Biblically the most apt punishment for false witnesses and conspirators of that sort, was to receive the punishment they intended for their intended victims. So, jail it is. I don't think that will happen, but that's the not quite fully banished idealist in me.

I encourage you to go and visit the Jury Bulletin Board Blog (FLDS Texas)* and see the monster in it's death throes. It's ugly.

I have a lot of thoughts on the matter, some will no doubt go stale while I am forced to wait for my new assignment. If they are still apropos when I change duties in a week, I'll share them with you. Otherwise I continue to pray for my FLDS friends, Warren Jeffs included, that their complete release come soon and as part of the bargain, that their lands be restored to them, and a damage settlement be offered and given to them by all who persecuted them in LE.

* Work down the page from where this takes you. The first post might be about me, or someone else, or several people. After a while it's about me. Again. Why would they be so furious with someone who incorrectly identified Blues and is setting himself up to be the fool again?

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Cooper - Krakauer - (Carolyn) Jessop - Toobin

I'm glad I watched the Arizona Attorney General's interview first (Terry Goddard). This interview oscillates between pathetic, to unbelievable to people simply emoting because they did not get their way. They're appalled, stunned, bewildered, blah, blah, blah. The decision was UNANIMOUS folks.

Watch it, then follow the link back and watch the Terry Goddard interview. The key thing AG Goddard says is that the Utah Supreme court decision was right, even though he is "disappointed."

I'm really convinced that a large portion of the behavior of both Arizona and Utah in prosecuting Warren is to protect Elissa Wall. She lied under oath and manufactured evidence She cannot go back to court without being tried (eventually) for perjury. Ok, it's not JUST to protect Elissa Wall, it's also to protect those who offered her as a credible witness and built the world's strangest prosecution around her.

Now go watch the Terry Goddard interview. Another thing, I wouldn't trust Anderson Cooper farther than I could throw him, he's clearly bought in as well. Why does NO ONE ask Jon how he knows about this "tape?" Why is he accepted as "Mr. Expert on the law and everything else under the sun?"

I'm going to repeat what I have said elsewhere. Upon reflection the decision of the Utah Supreme Court was codespeak for the fact that there should have been a directed verdict of "Not Guilty" after the prosecution rested. There was no case. Since the Judge failed to grant that motion, the Utah Supreme Court said that the Jury should have been instructed that what they (the Jury) saw as the prosecution's case was no case at all. The prosecution was trying to peer into Warren's soul, and absent Warren's public confession of what his state of mind was, there simply could be no determination of "Guilty."

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Two Years Later, all that is left, is misinformation

Betty Jessop

The condition of journalism today, is largely a reflection of the condition of our own minds. Logic applied to this ABC News analysis would cost the writers their jobs, but it doesn't, because we have long since ceased to apply logic, as a society:

"Former members of the polygamist sect that was raided two years ago say they are encouraged by tough sentences handed down by courts in recent months, but said that the secretive group is as a strong as ever."

In one sentence, there is an internal contradiction that will be repeated in this story. Perhaps the writer is a fan of "synthesis," thinking we arrive at truth by merging contradictions. If so, the writer is so fuzzy on that blurry concept that they have lost track of even that distorted view of the truth.

How are you encouraged by "strong sentences" if they are not breaking the will of your enemy, but instead, seemingly, making them stronger? In addition, in a theme repeated by the hateful "Antis," the human sacrifice of example must be applied to an undeserving victim to advance their agenda.

Think.

If the sentences are extraordinarily harsh, and out of proportion with sentences handed down to other "sex offenders," then we have demanded of the "offender" that they pay more than they ought, for the sake of an agenda being advanced. We might as well throw someone into a volcano to appease some "god."

If the sentences are NOT extraordinarily harsh, then the hatred of the "Antis" is revealed again, because they cannot focus on the greater damage to society occurring every day with other sex offenders flying under the radar while former FLDS members revel and rejoice while their own special focuses of vitriol are roasted alive. The rest of the world and it's children can go to hell while they sit back and bask in the glowing fire of their enemies suffering.

"So far, four of the 12 members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who were accused of child abuse have been convicted and sentenced to prison.

'These convictions are a really big deal. They're game changers and it's significant,' said Carolyn Jessop, who escaped from the FLDS sect in Colorado City, Ariz., seven years ago."

What, is this a book deal promotion? Carolyn Jessop "escaped?" Are we just reminding people what the title of her book is? Many people have "escaped" from the FLDS, as many as want to. "Escape" is a connotation laden word implying imprisonment, making a break for it, and "Getting Away" from pursuers.

The evidence says you can "walk away" from the FLDS, anytime you want to. The author of the story neglects to mention that Carolyn's own daughter Betty "escaped" from her and went back to FLDS.

" '(T)here is still a side to the FLDS that thinks they are invincible and that these trials are a joke and that if a few men go to prison for the cause, the group will still be fine,' said Jessop. The group burst into the national spotlight after the April 3, 2008 raid of the Yearning for Zion Ranch in Eldorado, Texas. People were stunned not only by the charges of polygamy and child brides, but because of the pastel prairie clothes, braided hairstyles and submissive attitude of the ranch's women."

One is tempted to simply allow their brain to leap out of their skull and start smashing itself into whatever wall there is available.

There is "Still a SIDE to the FLDS?" Um, Carolyn, how about "the whole group?" Pretty much it seems the "side" she speaks of is the vast majority of the FLDS. She seems to imply here that the FLDS is a divided group with a faction holding sway, when outward evidence suggests that the "factions" of the FLDS consist of a small rebellious minority that regularly leaves the group and then is stunned when no one follows, such as Carolyn, Elissa and Flora. By using these terms, and also having the writer repeat them without modification or observation of any kind, the writer is not being a reporter, but an advocate, mouthpiece and publicist for the "side" of the FLDS that pretty much isn't FLDS any longer.

Carolyn and the writer imply strongly that there is a "side" within the group still, that longs to be as she is. Except, in two years none of those "rescued" that needed to "escape" from the ranch, have taken advantage of their opportunity to "escape." They have in fact fought tooth and nail, to get back, like her own daughter Betty.

"Carolyn Jessop characterizes the recent 75-year prison sentence as 'unbelievable,' saying that the FLDS has believed for generations 'that they live above the law.' Even so, she says that unless the veil of secrecy that has long overshadowed the sect is lifted, the group will continue to thrive.

'If these men go to prison and don't say anything, [their convictions] might not have any impact on the group,' she said. 'The only way I can see it having a profound impact is if someone is willing to talk for a reduced sentence.' "

And here Carolyn's hateful motivations and immorality are made clear. She's part of a group that wishes to use long prison sentences to extort information from the convicted.

"Keep Convicting Them," she is saying, "Keep Sentencing Them to LIFELONG TORMENT (until someone talks)."

I hate to break it to Carolyn, but if you truly believe that the Path to Heaven and Place in the Afterlife is along the lines that the FLDS believe it to be, this would be the equivalent of selling your soul for Raymond, Merril Allen Keate or Michael Emack. Would you indeed trade your immortal soul for relief in this life? 35 or less of your remaining years on this earth, for an eternity in Torment?

"[The sect] depends on secrecy," she said. "The minute the secrecy is taken away, then the crimes will have to be prosecuted."

"These men know what is going on at that ranch and in the entire community and they've witnessed the worst," she added.

Carolyn Jessop

Yup, that's it. They're the Nazi's that imprison her people who long to be let go from their concentration camp. They should be subjected to increasing torments, until someone confesses.

What's next Carolyn? Do you want to send them all to some CIA torture camp outside the country to be waterboarded until they give it up?

"Mary Mackert, another former FLDS member who left the group and her six sister wives in 1984, agrees with Carolyn Jessop, and says that while the news of the convictions 'makes her smile,' she said there is much more to be done."

If you doubted me, simply read the above again. Mary Mackert "agrees" with Carolyn Jessop. What is her attitude? The extraordinary punishments of the FLDS members convicted so far "make her smile."

For them, the ends justify the means:

"Both Mackert and Jessop said the investigation of the Yearning For Zion Ranch in 2008 was successful in that it brought light to the crimes the members allegedly commit, but said it failed in terms of the children."

And for the FLDS? I have a point to make, when you don't tell your side of the story loudly enough, the revisionism takes full hold, and today's writers, who don't research their stories, repeat lies:

"In the days following the raid, 439 children were taken from their parents and put into foster care, running up a tab for the state of Texas that exceeded $12 million in just 2009. Legal fees since then have not been calculated. All but one child has since been returned to the ranch."

This gives the impression that Texas still holds Merrianne Jessop.

"It broke my heart to see the judge turn those children back," said Mackert.

I suppose we should care about Mary's heart, far away in Idaho, about kids that aren't hers, as opposed to the parent's hearts, in Texas, with relation to kids that ARE theirs. To say nothing of the kids themselves.

And now, another one of those contradiction laden passages:

"Jessop also questioned why the children were returned.

'When the state went in and took the kids, I thought once they interfered they had an obligation to follow through. They had an obligation and not just put the kids back in it and close their eyes. That to me was completely betrayal for these children,' she said.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services declined to comment for this story. In previous media accounts, the agency has defended the raid and has said they would do it again if they received more reports of child abuse. The children were returned to the ranch due to a lack of evidence of abuse to those children.

'Because the state dropped the ball on the kids, the FLDS community was very much strengthened because inside, they feel like the sky is the limit and they're untouchable,' said Carolyn Jessop, who still communicates with sect members, including family members."

The state defends the raid, Carolyn thinks they dropped the ball, but the CHILDREN were returned because there was a LACK of EVIDENCE of ABUSE to those children.

Carolyn is again held up as some sort of expert on internal FLDS workings, and the state has listened to her with regard to what happens there, and given her almost all she wishes in terms of pressure applied the FLDS, and they haven't cracked.

Wise up Carolyn, you said it yourself: "The FLDS community is very much strengthened." Wait for it though, she's not through contradicting herself.

"(Mary and Carolyn) say that while they will never stop talking about their own experiences, current FDLS members are the ones that really have the power to end what they call a life of 'emotional and physical torture.'

'The people at the top [in the sect] are nervous,' said Jessop. 'They don't admit it to a lot of people, but they are.'

'How could they not be nervous?' echoed Mackert. 'It's becoming a reality that they could spend the rest of their lives behind bars.' "

Yup, the emotional abuse and torture Carolyn's own daughter couldn't wait to subject herself to again. The emotional abuse and torture that Mary and Carolyn seemed trapped in for the rest of their own lives.

Get over it gals.

It's over. I have an ex. I lost everything. Kids and all. I don't spend any more time than is absolutely necessary thinking about her. It only hurts me and if I'm really unlucky, everyone around me when I can't zip my lip about it. Don't be such losers.

In my experience, a good deal of ex wives are like suicides. They leave a marriage, they kill it, and then they hang around to see if their ex, got the message. Finally.

"Think I'm gonna kill myself, cause a little suicide, stick around for a couple of days, what a scandal if I died.

Yeah, I'm gonna kill myself, get a little headline news. I'd like to see what the papers say..." (Bernie Taupin)

Unfortunately, for those of us left behind, the ghosts of divorce are all too real. Carolyn and Mary still want the attention, and are going to hairlip the devil to get it.

It is also true that Mary and Carolyn seem to be engaging in a little wishful thinking. The leaders are "nervous." Of course, she has no actual communication with them to know this, but, they're nervous. Aren't they? They'd have to be. Wouldn't they?

Stunningly, or perhaps really not so stunningly, the "unpersoning" (damnatio memoriae) of Rozita Swinton is now complete. In not one place in this story is she mentioned. In the popular retelling we'll just keep applying a little makeup to that "unsightly area" until it is gone altogether.

Rozita Swinton, Babysitting, Thanksgiving 2008, Burley ID

I did do the follow up on Rozita's Douglas County probation violation. Her probation officer was persuaded to not file a report against her, alleging violation of her previous conviction's terms of probation in Douglas County. She was "granted a new trial," the charges were dropped, and the whole matter went away.

Just like David Foley said it would happen. Except he left out a few nasty details, like she'd been convicted before, and than some major arm twisting went on to get the new trial, dropped charge and eventual vaporizing of Rozita's previous crime to that of the El Paso county conviction.

David Foley has also said that Texas has agreed to drop the charges against Rozita. I believe him even though Texas denies it.

But Carolyn and Mary hang around. Rozita and the real causes behind YFZ fade into the sunset and diminish. And ABC news retells the story, until we get it "right."

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Piccarreta loses 3, wins 1

Judge Conn had hinted earlier that he thinks Sam Brower and Dan Fisher have responded adequately to the defense. Your Modern Pharisee has stated earlier that Michael Piccarreta was probably overreaching, but what do you do? Do you NOT ask? A good defense counsel asks for all he can ask for, until he's told no. But Carolyn Jessop? She is not out of the defenses reach:

More to follow soon, I haven't finished reading the order. The prosecution is ordered to turn over impeachment material. This whole issue could come up again.

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Michael Piccarreta goes Public, he "smells a rat." Judge Conn will look at YFZ Evidence Exclusion.

Are you sure it's not a Fish(er)?

The Mohave Daily News - " 'I smell a rat,' Piccarreta said. 'Elissa Wall has received so much money. I want to show that she's biased against my client.'

(Judge Steven) Conn said he will take the motion (to depose Dan Fisher and Sam Brower) under advisement."

This is a sign of growing confidence on the part of Warren Jeffs' attorney, who normally plays his cards very close to the vest.

"(Judge Conn) will also set another hearing in February for another motion to exclude evidence seized during a 2008 raid on a FLDS compound in Texas. Other motions to be addressed is a deposition of Carolyn Jessop, a well-known critic of the FLDS, and a motion to list expert witnesses that Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith plans to call at Jeffs' upcoming trial."

Michael Piccarreta stands a good chance of getting everything he wants in terms of depositions. If he does not, start striking witnesses from Warren's case.

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A landslide of filings in Arizona

Michael Piccarreta gets busy:

First to Matt Smith he says "oh no, YOU have the burden of proof" in the evidentiary hearing that will be occurring.

Then he says "oh no Matt, this is not another interview of Carolyn Jessop" and then he challenges Becky Musser, Carolyn Jessop and Richard Holm as expert witnesses:

"Carolyn Jessop has written a whole book in which she characterizes Mr. Jeffs as a bad man and the FLDS as a bad religion. She, of course, characterizes herself as intelligent, wonderful and almost perfect. The defendant does not believe that any of this admissible but, at a minimum, the defendant needs to know how much, if any, of this type of evidence he will need to met at trial."

It is amazing how much the defense seems to be on it's heals in Texas, but so much in charge in Arizona. The difference must be the judge.

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Carolyn Jessop clearly has something to hide, and it's in her Tax Returns

Carolyn Jessop won't cooperate.

In a new motion posted today (and filed Wednesday) on the Mohave county site:

"The parties then agreed that the completion of Ms. Jessop's interview would occur on November 6, 2009, over the telephone. On November 4, 2009, the completion of Ms. Jessop's telephonic interview was re-scheduled for November 24, 2009, at the State's request. Ms. Jessop promised to disclose her tax returns showing the financial benefits she received from the publication of her book in advance of the completion of her interview. However, on November 20, 2009, the State advised defense counsel that Carolyn had called off the completion of her interview."

The summation of all of this is that Carolyn opened the door to her tax returns, pleading she could not explain herself without them. Since she has testified previously that they are an integral part of her explanations, she cannot now refuse to discuss or show them.

The bottom line? Carolyn can indeed stonewall forever as has been pointed out by anti FLDS pundits, but what hasn't been said? The state will have to strike her from the witness list, if she doesn't pony up. Natalie Malonis' letter? Balderdash.

The Thanksgiving Day weekend? Very busy indeed.

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The Plot Thickens in Arizona

Matt Smith has made two (a) motions that he may actually win in the Arizona case against Warren Jeffs*:

This is one of those points about which I know so little of what has already transpired combined with my less than amateur ability with the law, that I can't really call the outcome. Calling it like a ball game though I'd say that all Matt Smith has won so far is a "wait until Texas rules" play with Judge Conn, something he now no longer claims. That's good. Make it look like your idea Matt since you wouldn't win a protest of the evidentiary hearing anyway. This also now makes it look like Matt's earlier disclaimers regarding use of YFZ evidence, were smoke. Only Judge Conn can stop the evidentiary hearing in Arizona as both the defense and now the prosecution have no objections.

What Matt might win is twin motions denying Jeffs further access to Ms. Elissa "Redacted" Wall and her income from her book and movie deals and Carolyn Jessop and her tax returns. You have to figure that if Michael Piccarreta is on a winning streak, getting what he wants, that at some point he will knowingly overreach what is rightfully the province of the defense, and ask for something he'd like to have, but really shouldn't have. He wouldn't be doing his job, if he didn't.

There is a bit of absurd comedy in all of this. Elissa's name continues to be "redacted" from motions as she is a "victim," yet the names of her published works (of fiction?) continue to be used in conjunction with her "whited out" name, making it completely transparent. Arizona might as well paste over her name with clear Scotch Tape.

Then there is this crowing and self aggrandizing "elbowing" her way into the spotlight of Natalie Malonis as the representative of Carolyn Jessop. I'm linking to it only to document her grandstanding. I by no means encourage you to click on the link, unless of course you don't believe me. I in fact debated with myself for quite a while before I resolved post the link, not wanting to contribute any site traffic numbers or publicity to the blog where this letter appears:

"November 16, 2009


Mr. Matthew J. Smith
Mohave County Attorney
315 N. 4th Street
PO Box 7000
Kingman, Arizona 86402

Via Facsimile 928-753-2669

RE: Arizona v. Warren Jeffs, CR-2007-743

Dear Mr. Smith:

In connection with the above-referenced case, I am writing on behalf of Carolyn Jessop as a designated witness for the State of Arizona. As you’re aware, I represented Carolyn in her Texas child support case against Merril Jessop. On behalf of my clients in whose cases Sam Brower was engaged, I also participated with Lee Novak and Roger and Greg Hoole in preparing a response to the Defense’s motion to depose Mr. Brower. I will soon be submitting my pro hac vice application in Arizona so that I may appear in December for oral argument on the issue on behalf of clients, such as Carolyn, whose confidentiality could be compromised if Mr. Brower’s deposition is allowed to proceed.

Carolyn has requested that I contact you and communicate her intent to withdraw from voluntarily participating as a witness for the State in its case against Warren Jeffs. Although Carolyn was initially willing to provide testimony for the State, such willingness and cooperation with the State has been transformed into an unreasonable and unnecessary burden. As lead attorney for the prosecution, it appears that you are doing little or nothing to shield your witnesses from harassment and unreasonable exposure by Mr. Jeffs’ attorneys. Per your request, Carolyn has voluntarily made herself available on two occasions for more than four hours of interviews by Mr. Piccarretta; she has produced sensitive and private documents relating to her financial dealings; and she is now being asked to submit to a third interview for Mr. Piccarretta’s continued fishing expedition. Mr. Piccarretta’s right to interview witnesses is not unlimited, but there has been no apparent gesture on your part to place any outer limits on Mr. Piccarretta’s continued access to witnesses. Additionally, as far as Carolyn is aware, you did not request or secure any type of protective order or non-disclosure agreement in connection with her financial data disclosed to Mr. Piccarretta. She feels that you have failed to take reasonable actions to protect her privacy interests and to shield her from unreasonable exposure by the defense.

Carolyn is also testifying for the State in criminal proceedings in Texas. Based on your conduct and apparent open-door policy with Mr. Piccarretta, Carolyn is concerned that her Texas grand jury testimony may be requested by you and supplied to Mr. Piccarretta or other FLDS attorneys or supporters, thus exposing her to even greater harassment, ridicule and scorn (If you’re not aware, Carolyn endures a constant barrage of public invective from those who wish to hide the FLDS practices). It seems as though even Judge Conn has taken note of your passivity in the face of an onslaught from the defense – noting in a recent order that the State had not filed any type of response to Mr. Piccarretta’s motions for depositions of non-party, non-witnesses, although several responses were filed by various other attorneys on behalf of those whose depositions were unreasonably sought. This type of habitual lack of response and seeming acquiescence and exaggerated courtesy extended to defense attorneys portrays you as unwilling to protect and defend Ms. Jessop, and perhaps other witnesses as well.

Having carefully evaluated the circumstances and potential for negative exposure and unwelcome consequences to Ms. Jessop, she has made the decision that she no longer wishes to participate as the State’s witness in this proceeding, although she remains supportive of the State’s efforts to bring justice to Warren Jeffs. Naturally, Ms. Jessop is aware that the State could subpoena her and order her to appear and give testimony, contrary to her expressed desire and intent, and she hopes that the State would not place her in that position.

Carolyn has requested that any further communications on this or related issues be made through me; she does not care to be coaxed into changing her decision and is concerned that would be the result if she were to communicate with you directly. In view of Carolyn’s decision to withdraw her voluntary participation, she also withdraws her agreement to give any further interviews to Mr. Piccarretta or make any further voluntary disclosures or production of documents. Please communicate this information to Mr. Piccarretta, as necessary.

Please know that Carolyn remains very appreciative of the stance you have taken in bringing the first indictments against Warren Jeffs and being the frontrunner in bringing justice to this group. Unfortunately, as circumstances have evolved, it has become too onerous for Carolyn to remain involved to the same extent on a voluntary basis. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need for further discussion.

Kind regards,

Natalie E. Malonis"

I continue to maintain that Natalie has nothing but idiots for clients, the clearest evidence of which is, Natalie is their lawyer. I have been the target of one of Nat's self important missives. It was only worrisome because Ms. Malonis has the ability to file motions, and has access to the court and has proved to be a loose cannon in the past.

* (see post immediately above)

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Good Grief! This is Brainwashing?

The other half of the story of "Escape." Carolyn's Daughter "went kicking and screaming."(Photo by Trent Nelson, Salt Lake Tribune)

The Salt Lake Tribune - "Betty said traumatic years followed as she struggled to cope with mainstream society and fought with her mother.

Their arguments, she said, centered on her desire to live according to the sect's principles and her mother's determination to keep her from the faith, her father and her extended family.

'I was such a representation of everything she hated so much,' Betty said.

On July 2, 2007, Betty turned 18. Two days later she returned to the sect, celebrating what she now calls her own independence day."

As soon as she had the chance, Betty went back. Brainwashing or not, I know of no way to effectively deal with the upbringing of these people. As has been said before, who would decide what religion was a cult, and which one was over the edge and went too far?

And another thing. If they're happy, then should we interfere? Whatever issues Carolyn had, she resolved them by leaving as others have. Betty chose her father and her former life when she had the chance.

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