What is the Netflix documentary about Warren Jeffs? Everything to know

Warren Jeffs is central to Netflix's documentary Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey. This four-part series was released on June 8, 2022. It describes Jeffs's rise to authority and control over the Latter-Day Saints' Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ (FLDS).

The documentary features horrific events of the 1990s and 2000s, including institutionalized child abuse and polygamy during the reign of Warren Jeffs. The show looks into the remote religious community where Jeffs positioned himself as a self-proclaimed prophet.

The Netflix documentary delves deep into how his leadership led to underage marriages, physical abuse, and coercion, affecting hundreds of people. Through interviews with survivors, archival footage, and recreated scenes, the series shows how Jeffs manipulated his followers and enforced absolute loyalty within the FLDS.

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The rise of Warren Jeffs and his control within FLDS

After his father, Rulon Jeffs, died, Warren Jeffs climbed to leadership in the FLDS. Warren rapidly consolidated his authority upon taking office by marrying most of his father's wives. He also moved important supporters to his Texas compound, the Yearning for Zion Ranch.

Stricter religious rules and a radical theological posture—including his declaration of approaching end-times—defined his leadership. Jeffs' extreme ideologies isolated his followers, further deepening his control over the community.

He dictated every aspect of their lives, enforcing strict religious clothing, separating families, and marrying underage girls to men much older than them. Under Jeffs, the FLDS became more secretive and insular, with Jeffs being viewed as a prophet whose word was law.

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The abuses within the FLDS

Netflix documentary about Warren Jeffs (Image via Netflix)

Often marrying young girls, Warren Jeffs was well-known for his polygamous and arranged marriage practices. The documentary details the terrible effects of these methods using survivor testimony. Children and women were physically abused and driven into marriages—some as young as twelve years old.

Archival footage and recreated scenes vividly depict how Jeffs ensured his control by segregating his most loyal followers in the Texas compound. He kept detailed records, including tapes and documents that proved the extent of the abuse, which eventually became key evidence during his prosecution.

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The prosecution of Warren Jeffs

Warren Jeffs appeared on the FBI's Most Wanted list in 2006. He was accused of crimes involving physical violence and planning underage weddings. His brother was also found guilty of hiding Jeffs while the latter was on the run.

After being arrested during a traffic stop, Jeffs was finally found guilty on several counts—including physical assault of minors—resulting in a life sentence in 2011. His Utah conviction was overturned on appeal, but his Texas sentence for sexually assaulting children is still in effect. His parole will be eligible in the year 2038.

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What happened to the FLDS after Jeffs' conviction?

The final episodes of Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey reveal how Warren Jeffs sought control even after his arrest. Talking with his inmates, he maintained his innocence and divine status while demonstrating his influence inside the FLDS.

Child Protective Services raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch in 2008, rescuing many children and exposing the horrors of the compound. Investigations into the FLDS have led to government action, including the seizure of their properties and dissolution of their local law enforcement ties.

Despite this, the FLDS did not dissolve after Warren Jeffs was sentenced. It has continued under the influence of loyal members who still see Jeffs as their spiritual leader. It remains active, with thousands of followers in the U.S. and Canada. Several leaders from the church faced legal consequences, but the faith continues to practice arranged marriages and polygamy.

The Netflix docu series Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey offers a disturbing look into the reality of life within the FLDS under the leadership of Jeffs. The series calls into doubt how law, religion, and authority might help to shield weaker people from such mistreatment.

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey is available to stream on Netflix.