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July 24, 2008 8:16:51 AM CDT

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'Sex Bed' for Girls Found in Polygamist Temple

Posted Apr 10, 08 4:55 AM CDT in Crime & Courts,  US 

(Newser) – Members of a polygamous cult had sex with underage girls inside the group's temple immediately after "spiritual weddings," according to court documents. Investigators found the bed, described by a tipster, in the temple of the Texas ranch. Men had sex with "brides" as young as 13, reports CNN. Police removed 416 children—including several pregnant girls—after a plea for help last week from a 16-year-old girl who called a hotline.

She said she had an 8-month-old baby, was pregnant again, and was often beaten by her 50-year-old "husband," authorities said. The teen said she wanted to save her little sister from the same fate. It's not clear if the tipster teen is among the children removed from the ranch. "We believe, but can't confirm, that she is with us and that she's too frightened to come forward," said a state spokeswoman.

Source CNN

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Adults and children, members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, gather beneath a covered porch at one of the structures at their temporary housing .   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Two members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints walk by an netrance to Fort Concho National Historic Landmark.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Law enforcement officers are seen outside the temple wall of the "Yearning For Zion" Ranch, home of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
An FBI agent and another law enforcement official walk into the temple at the Yearn for Zion Ranch, home of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Tuesday, April 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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Texas  • rape  • polygamy  • child abuse  • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints  • sexual abuse  • teen pregnancy  • Mormonism  • Warren Jeffs


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