Utah couple featured on 'Whistleblower' for role in case against polygamist clan business

(KUTV) — A Utah couple who alerted federal authorities to allegations of fraud at a polygamist-owned business were the focus of “Whistleblower” on CBS Friday.

Mary Nelson escaped from the Kingston polygamist clan, also known as The Order, in 2013 with the help of her husband Bryan Nelson.

The Nelsons sparked an investigation that eventually led to federal charges against two leaders of The Order, Jacob and Isaiah Kingston, and their business partner Lev Dermen last year.

Federal authorities allege the Kingston brothers and their company Washakie Renewable Energy defrauded the IRS out of tax credits totaling approximately $1 billion.

The Nelson’s attorney, Mark Pugsley, says Mary Nelson’s testimony will play a key role in the case against the Kingstons.

“She has knowledge that nobody else has. As far as we know, the government didn’t know this was going on,” Pugsley said.

On “Whistleblower,” Mary Nelson detailed her work as part of the Kingston’s private bank, alleging The Order produced fraudulent records for biofuel in order to qualify for tax credits.

“It’s going to be one of the biggest criminal trials that I can remember in my 25 years of practice,” Pugsley said.

The Nelsons say they have been the target of intimidation since they blew the whistle against the clan.

“From being followed, to death threats, vandalism, and having a brick thrown through our window,” Bryan Nelson said. “[The Kingstons] really are, in my belief, a mafia - they are a large, multi-billion-dollar mafia that exists right here in Utah.”

Federal prosecutors allege text messages from Jacob Kingston spoke about hiring an "enforcer" and references a "bulk discount" and a "two-for-one" deal, which may reference the Nelsons.

“The order likes to pretend they are nice people, they’re not. They are evil,” Nelson said.

You can watch the "Whistleblower" episode featuring the Nelsons on CBS’s website.