Summary
Two towns on the Arizona-Utah border, once controlled by a polygamous religious sect, have changed significantly. After years of court supervision, they're now functioning like typical towns, free from the sect's influence. The sect's leader, Warren Jeffs, is in prison, and the towns are no longer under court oversight.
Key Facts
- The towns are Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah.
- They were previously controlled by a polygamous sect led by Warren Jeffs.
- In 2011, Warren Jeffs was sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting two girls.
- The court placed the towns under supervision in 2017 to separate the church from local government.
- A community board took over the real estate trust previously controlled by the sect.
- By last summer, the towns were released from court-ordered supervision.
- The towns now have features like sports games, bars, and a winery.
- They are learning to operate under a representative form of government.
