Polygamist may be hiding in Texas

LUBBOCK, Texas, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Arizona authorities say the leader of a polygamist sect, wanted on sexual misconduct charges in their state, may be hiding in West Texas.

They say Warren Jeffs, who fled Arizona five months ago, is hiding in a compound on a ranch, The Houston Chronicle reports.

But the sheriff in Schleicher County, where the ranch is located, says there is nothing to indicate Jeffs has been to the ranch since he became a fugitive in June.

But Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard says he has "good information" that Jeffs "comes and goes with impunity" from the Texas ranch.

The issue reflects the growing frustration of Arizona officials as they search for the elusive Jeffs, says county Justice of the Peace James Doyle. "They've spent a bunch of money going after him and don't have much to show for it," he says.

Arizona authorities say the 49-year-old Jeffs is getting help from members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which he has led as a self-described prophet since 2002.