(KUTV) In a federal court hearing Wednesday at the 5th District Court in St. George, three of 11 FLDS church leaders — who were charged and arrested for conspiracy to commit SNAP benefit fraud and money laundering — pleaded not guilty.
n USA v. Kristal Dutson, the defendant financially qualified for a judge appointed public defender. Local attorney, Aric Cramer was appointed to represent Dutson. Judge Burthwaite scheduled a detention hearing for March 21.
At the end of the 15 minute hearing a pre-trial release was suggested for the three defendants and that possibility is currently being discussed.