Jeffs' Traffic Stop Ruled Legal

Associated Press/June 30, 2007

St. George, Utah -- The traffic stop that led to the arrest of polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs was upheld by a judge.

A judge ruled yesterday that a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper had enough reason to stop the sport utility vehicle because of an obscured temporary registration tag.

The ruling means that evidence taken from the traffic stop outside of Las Vegas last August is admissible in Jeffs' trial, which is scheduled to begin in September.

The judge rejected defense attorneys' arguments that the stop was illegal and took too long under Nevada law.

Police found a cache of electronic equipment, disguises and $54,000 in cash when Jeffs was arrested.