Ruby Jessop

Ruby Jessop (born May 3, 1986) is an American former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) and child bride known for her family connections, her 2013 escape from an FLDS-controlled polygamous community, and the criminal probe prompted by her escape.

Ruby is the sister of author and ex-FLDS member Flora Jessop. In Flora's book, Church of Lies, she recounts how 14-year-old Ruby called her asking to help her escape after learning that she was to be married off to her second cousin and stepbrother, Haven Barlow. Flora writes that while the authorities were contacted, they were unable to locate Ruby, who was being moved from place to place to avoid contact with Flora. second cousin, stepbrother, and husband. This can result in inbreeding and can cause genetic defects.

After Ruby's escape, a press conference was held by Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne with Ruby and her sister Flora to announce not only the escape, but also a probe into the alleged FLDS practice of holding women against their will and an investigation of the police force in Colorado City. Oprah, Anderson Cooper: 360°, Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey, and appears in Jon Krakauer's non-fiction book Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith.

Ruby is cousin-by-marriage of Carolyn Jessop, author of the New York Times Best Seller Escape and ex-FLDS member. She is a relative of Winston Blackmore, the leader of a Canadian polygamous group, and also his uncle John Horne Blackmore, first leader of what became the Social Credit Party of Canada.