Sheriff discusses local reaction to known polygamist buying land in Cook County

In the days following the news about a religious leader with connections to the polygamous sect of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchasing property along Pike Lake Road in Cook County, there has been a strong reaction from the community.

Seth Jeffs purchased 40 acres of property in August near Pike Lake Road. The property at 932 Pike Lake Road was purchased by Jeffs under the business name Emerald Industries, LLC.

A land use permit was approved in December 2018 for this property. The permit includes a driveway that is approximately 900 ft. in length and an approximately 6,000 sq. ft. building to be put on the property, according to the Cook County Land Services Department.

The large structure is considered, at least in part, an interior living unit. This classification means people can reside in at least part of the building.

Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen stopped by WTIP to address this topic, as well as the strong reaction from the community.