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Texas Pulls 52 Kids From Sect Compound

Rape charge sparks move at Warren Jeffs' polygamy site

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 4, 2008 7:20 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Texas authorities pulled 52 kids from the compound of a polygamous sect today after a girl said she was raped there, the Houston Chronicle reports. Eighteen of the children were bussed out by court order, based on claims of abuse or neglect, and put into temporary custody. State troopers are also seeking a suspect at the compound, which was founded by jailed polygamist Warren Jeffs.

"The actions we've taken today have nothing to do with religion or lifestyle," said a child welfare spokesman. "The pure interest is in protecting children from abuse and neglect." Jeffs was convicted last year in Utah of being an accomplice to raping a teenager, and is now in an Arizona jail awaiting trial for incest and other charges.

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints compound under construction near Eldorado, Texas.
The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints compound under construction near Eldorado, Texas.   (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam, File)
Warren Jeffs is led by guards into a courtroom in Las Vegas in this Aug. 31, 2006 file photo.
Warren Jeffs is led by guards into a courtroom in Las Vegas in this Aug. 31, 2006 file photo.   (AP Photo/Laura Rauch)
Warren Jeffs.
Warren Jeffs.   (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac, File)
Officers stand at the entrance to the El Dorado Civic Center Friday, April 4, 2008.
Officers stand at the entrance to the El Dorado Civic Center Friday, April 4, 2008.   (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Officials escort two buses Friday April 4, 2008 from the retreat built by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located near El Dorado, Texas.
Officials escort two buses Friday April 4, 2008 from the retreat built by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located near El Dorado, Texas.   (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
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More on Jeffs' Arizona trial
Associated Press

 
Texas • Arizona • rape • child abuse • polygamy • fundamentalism • Utah • Warren Jeffs • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

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