Polygamist Warren Jeffs Hospitalized

Convicted rapist not eating, drinking in Texas prison
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 29, 2011 2:39 PM CDT
Polygamist Warren Jeffs Hospitalized
In this Aug. 5, 2011 file photo, Warren Jeffs, right, is escorted out of the Tom Green County Courthouse by a law enforcement officer in San Angelo, Texas.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)

Convicted rapist and polygamist leader Warren Jeffs was sent to a Texas hospital last night after refusing to eat or drink enough in prison, the AP reports. Facing a life behind bars without parole until he is at least 100 years old, 55-year-old Jeffs "hasn't been feeling well," his lawyer says. She didn't elaborate, but the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints leader is said to be in critical but stable condition at the East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, Texas.

Jeffs was given the maximum possible sentence earlier this month for sexually assaulting underage followers of his church. He has been in protective custody since, isolated in his cell, without any work programs, and given only one hour daily for recreation and a shower. Still, former church members consider him a prophet and say he will keep leading his Utah-based congregation from prison. (More Warren Jeffs stories.)

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