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Sex Abuse 'Rampant' at Polygamist Ranch

Pubescent girls forced to 'marry' older men, say investigators

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 9, 2008 9:34 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Young girls at a polygamous compound were readied for "spiritual marriages" to much older men as soon as they hit puberty, the AP reports. Papers submitted to a Texas court detail a "pattern of abuse" at the ranch, where young boys were forced to marry underage girls and girls in their early teens were required to bear children.

The compound was raided last week after a hushed phone call from a 16-year-old girl pleading for help after she had been beaten and raped by her 50-year-old husband. She was his seventh wife. The state has won custody of 419 young people removed from the ranch. Some of the teenage girls are pregnant and officials say all were in danger of "emotional, physical, or sexual abuse."

Residential structures are seen along a road that leads to the main temple, top rear, on the grounds of the Yearning For Zion Ranch.
Residential structures are seen along a road that leads to the main temple, top rear, on the grounds of the "Yearning For Zion" Ranch.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
An FBI agent and an other law enforcement officials walk into an entrance to the temple at the Yearning For Zion Ranch, Texas, Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
An FBI agent and an other law enforcement officials walk into an entrance to the temple at the "Yearning For Zion" Ranch, Texas, Tuesday, April 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
People stand at a residential structure on the grounds of the Yearning For Zion Ranch, Texas, Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
People stand at a residential structure on the grounds of the "Yearning For Zion" Ranch, Texas, Tuesday, April 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Area residents who had just let out of a church service, left, look on as members of the FLDS compound prepare to board a awaiting bus in Eldorado, Texas, Sunday, April 6, 2008.
Area residents who had just let out of a church service, left, look on as members of the FLDS compound prepare to board a awaiting bus in Eldorado, Texas, Sunday, April 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Law enforcement officials escort members of The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints onto a school bus in Eldorado, Texas, Sunday, April 6, 2008.
Law enforcement officials escort members of The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints onto a school bus in Eldorado, Texas, Sunday, April 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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Hushed phone call told authorities of abuse
Washington Post

Sect leaders claim raid violated rights
Salt Lake Tribune

Facts about the FLDS sect
Associated Press

 
Texas • rape • child abuse • sexual abuse • polygamy • Mormonism • Warren Jeffs • teen pregnancy • FLDS • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

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Control, Isolation Kept Polygamist Wives Silent

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