The leader of an offshoot polygamous sect near the Arizona-Utah border has pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport underage girls across state lines in what authorities say was a scheme to orchestrate sexual acts involving children.

A businessman has pleaded guilty to conspiring with the leader of an offshoot polygamous sect near the Arizona-Utah border to transport underage girls across state lines.

A woman believed to be one of the 20 wives of a polygamous sect leader jailed in Arizona faces charges for allegedly sending threatening emails to child welfare workers in a bid to get her two daughters released from state foster care.

Authorities say the leader of a small polygamous group near the Arizona-Utah border had taken at least 20 wives and punished followers who didn't treat him as a prophet.