The self-proclaimed prophet of a new fundamentalist Mormon group, whose alleged kidnapping of his two young daughters triggered an Amber Alert on Monday, was appointed an attorney Wednesday in his first court appearance since his arrest.
Samuel Warren Shaffer, who is being held without bond in the Iron County jail, appeared in 5th District courtroom via video call for his initial court appearance. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 20.
Court video shows Shaffer, wearing a dark jail jumpsuit, look directly into the camera as he interacts with Judge Keith Barnes.
Shaffer and his alleged accomplice, John Coltharp, 33, were arrested Monday after an Amber Alert set off a search for Shaffer’s 4 and 8-year-old daughters.