Polygamous leader takes plea deal in food-stamp fraud case
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this July 9, 2015 file photo, Seth Jeffs, right, brother of imprisoned polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs, participates in a state water board meeting in Pierre, S.D. Jeffs, another high-ranking polygamous group leader appears ready to take a plea deal in a multimillion dollar food-stamp fraud case. Jeffs has a change of plea hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, morning in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/James Nord, File) (The Associated Press)
A high-ranking polygamous leader has been released from jail after pleading guilty in a multimillion-dollar food-stamp fraud case.
Seth Jeffs agreed to a deal Wednesday that spares him more jail time or a fine. The 43-year-old became the second of 11 defendants to plead guilty, and more deals are in the works.
Jeffs pleaded guilty to fraud for misusing food stamps, a felony that carried up to 20 years behind bars. In return, conspiracy and money laundering charges were dropped.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}U.S. prosecutors said they're satisfied with the six months that Jeffs has served in jail since he was arrested in February following a multiyear federal investigation.
Jeffs runs the group's South Dakota compound and is a brother of its imprisoned prophet, Warren Jeffs.