Hearing Discloses Developments In Reformation of FLDS Land Trust

On Friday, a Utah state trial court held a one-and-a-half hour hearing in the state's 9-year long effort to reform the United Effort Plan Trust.  The Trust holds property of the polygamous FLDS Church in the sect's twin towns of Hilldale, Utah and Colorado City, Ariz.  AP and Fox13 report that a number of developments were revealed at the hearing. Judge Denise Lindberg urged the court-appointed trustee to begin evicting residents who have been ignoring the $100-per month housing fee for as long as 7 years. Collectively over $4.18 million in back fees is owed. During the hearing, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes urged the court to appoint a board to take over redistribution of the 750 homes owned by the Trust.  Judge Lindberg said that she has chosen seven people for the board, but will not set it up until fees are being paid so the trust will have a stable source of revenue, and until liability insurance can be obtained for board members. It was also announced that former-FLDS member Willie Jessop has agreed with the court-appointed trustee to cooperate with investigations and litigation in exchange for receiving land.  In yet another development, the Arizona Attorney General's office told the court that it plans to file papers today to dismantle the Hildale/ Colorado City Town Marshal’s Office.