Hunger-striking sect leader force-fed

KINGMAN, Ariz., Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Police in Mohave County, Utah, say they force-feed Warren Jeffs because the polygamous sect leader stopped voluntarily eating.

Mohave County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Trish Carter said Jeffs, head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, has been engaging in a fast that prompted two force-feedings during the last five days, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Wednesday.

"This has been a continuing problem with his on-and-off eating habits," Carter said. "We've had to force-feed him in the past."

Carter said Jeffs, 53, is being monitored by medical staff at the Kingman, Ariz., jail where he is being detained on charges he conducted two weddings involving underage girls.

The Tribune said Jeffs is already serving two consecutive five-to-life sentences for conducting another underage marriage. He reportedly attempted to commit suicide while incarcerated in 2007 and has needed medical attention several times due to harmful behaviors and self-imposed fasts.