SALT LAKE CITY — A federal judge has released a man accused in a massive food stamp fraud case involving members and leaders of the Fundamentalist LDS Church.
In a hearing Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Ted Stewart allowed Nephi Allred to be released pending trial. Allred will be required to live in Salt Lake County and must wear a GPS monitoring device.
Nephi Steed Allred – Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Judge Stewart previously overruled a magistrate judge who ordered another FLDS defendant to be jailed. Stewart released John Wayman pending trial. FLDS leaders Seth Jeffs and Lyle Jeffs are challenging their detention orders, with hearings scheduled next week.
In total, 11 people are accused of food stamp fraud and money laundering. Federal prosecutors allege FLDS leaders ordered members to hand over their food stamp benefit cards. Prosecutors have claimed in court documents the fraud to taxpayers exceeds $12 million.
