Month: July 2011

Polygamist leader Warren Jeffs has elected to represent himself in his pending Texas trials, foregoing a professional lawyer.

Presiding judge Barbara Walthers continually advised Jeffs to consider other options, but eventually allowed the request.  Jeffs reportedly made statements with long, drawn out pauses, prompting some concern. Judge Walthers had to make the decision to plead not guilty on Jeffs’ behalf, as when asked to make his plea, he remained silent.  Jeffs’ charges include sexual assault on two underaged girls. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

Drumming up support for their publicly fallen client, Jeremy Johnson’s attorneys are still fighting hard for his freedom. 

Johnson had a court date scheduled in Salt Lake City Thursday, with the state courts and his attorneys further arguing whether or not he should remain in jail. 

At an earlier hearing, Magistrate Judge Nuffer said there was possible consideration for his release, if Johnson’s friends and family could post a reasonable bond. Johnson’s prosecutors allege that he is still considered a flight risk, and would remain so through any type of release. 

Johnson could face maximum charges if convicted with a $250,000 fine and 20 years in jail. 

Iron County Sheriff’s Office along with other agencies raid two marijuana farms in the central area of Iron County.

Sheriff Mark O. Gower told SUN News the raid started early Thursday morning, but the investigation has been ongoing for two weeks. The sheriff offices of Iron, Beaver, and Kane Counties and the Bureau of Land Management, among other agencies, have worked on this case.

About 15,692 marijuana plants have been found. One of the farms is on public land while the other farm, about one-half mile away, is on private land. Officials know who the owner of the private land is but, according to Sheriff Gower, this person is not involved. The name of the owner will not be released.

The suspects are Mexican nationals who might be involved with drug cartels down in Mexico.

A man crossing Bluff street on foot was struck by a truck pulling a camp trailer Thursday afternoon.

Officer Bristol with the St. George Police Department said, “This was a rare situation where there was an actual accident and I don’t believe anybody is in violation of anything at this point.”

The man was transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center with injuries to his arm and face, but was coherent and talking to officers at the scene.

After a fatal bus accident nearly one year ago, the driver of the tour bus issued an apology letter to the families and friends of the victims.

Yashushi Mikuni’s three page apology in Japanese was written in regards to the 14 Japanese tourists headed from Nevada to visit several national parks in the state of Utah. Reports on the incident said Mikuni flew to Salt Lake City and drove to Las Vegas to pick up the tourists, driving for several hours without a full night’s sleep. The bus rolled on Interstate 15, about 250 miles south of Salt Lake City. Three died and 11 were injured in the accident. 

Mikuni was originally charged with 10 felonies but pleaded guilty to only three. Mikuni said, “I have been spending every day regretting very many things. The various means I could have taken to avoid the accident, my judgement, my naivety. I yearn for the answers and it always concludes with these same last thoughts: Why did I live, why have I survived this way?”

Mikuni’s sentencing will be held August 5 in Cedar City. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

Stephanie Moreno contributed to this report.

Watch the full Southern Utah Now Newscast from July 27, 2011.

Donating blood is something many people don’t look forward to, but what if it came with a major incentive? I’m not just talking about the warm fuzzy feeling you get when providing service. The American Red Cross Association is teaming up with the Discovery Channel to motivate people to get out and donate their blood. To increase the number of donors the Discovery Channel is offering the chance to win a trip for two to the Galapagos Islands! The vacation includes airfare and the chance to swim with sharks. To qualify, all you have to do is… donate blood.

The Iron County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man and charged him with 12 counts of rape of a child and 12 counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child.

Detective Sgt. Jody Edwards from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office told SUN News that Neftali Riquelme, 34, is a well-known acquaintance of his alleged victim. The abuse has reportedly been going on for several years.

Riquelme was booked into Iron County Jail on a $1.2 million cash-only bail on the 23rd of July.

Further details have not been released.

For more than 40 years, Utah residents tuned in nightly to watch Dick Nourse give the day’s headlines. On Tuesday, Nourse visited St. George to deliver a personal headline celebrating the anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act, bringing his son Dayne, who suffers from Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or brittle Bone disease.

Twenty-one years have passed since the ADA was signed. Tuesday’s event at Vernon Worthen Park was sponsored by the Red Rock Center for Independence. Meant to create educational opportunities of resources available to people with disabilities, both Nourses were grateful and excited to be a part of today’s event. For the entire interview with Dick Nourse, visit our facebook.