Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 2, 2008 5:47:47 AM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Police Defend Inaction at Polygamist Ranch

Posted Apr 11, 08 6:00 AM CDT in Crime & Courts,  US 

(Newser) – Law enforcement authorities yesterday released dramatic details of the police raid that rescued children suspected of abuse at a polygamist ranch—and countered complaints that the action was too late. Some 60 men surrounded the ranch temple, weeping and praying, in the last day of the operation that seized 416 children—but no one violently opposed the officers, said a Texas Rangers captain.

Police moved in after a teenage girl called a hotline complaining of rape and beatings by her "husband," which authorities fear may have been a common occurrence. Investigators have had an informant at the founding church of the sect for four years, but couldn't take action earlier, said County Sheriff David Doran. "This is the United States. We are not going to violate their civil rights until we have an outcry, a complaint, and I've said that from day one," he added.

Sources CNN, ABC News

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Polygamy Boss Charged With New Sex Rap

    Nov 13, 08 4:22 AM CST
    Polygamy Boss Charged With New Sex Rap Polygamy sect leader Warren Jeffs and three other members of his group have been indicted on fresh felony charges, the Houston Chronicle reports. Jeffs is accused of aggravated sexual assault linked to actions at the Yearning for Zion Texas compound where authorities rounded up hundreds of children earlier this year. He was convicted of a similar charge in Utah, and faces a possible life sentence. Charges against the others include bigamy and conducting an unlawful marriage involving a minor.
    More »

  • Jeffs' Bride, 14, Ordered Into Foster Care

    Aug 20, 08 5:44 AM CDT
    Jeffs' Bride, 14, Ordered Into Foster Care A Texas judge has ordered a 14-year-old girl allegedly married to polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs at age 12 back into state custody, reports the Salt Lake Tribune. The judge said the parents of the girl, who was first taken into custody when the sect's compound was raided in April, had approved the marriage and refused to protect her in the future. The girl's father has six wives. Six other children will remain in the household.
    More »

  • 5 More Jailed in Sect Child Abuse

    Jul 29, 08 4:15 AM CDT
    5 More Jailed in Sect Child Abuse Five members of a Texas polygamous sect charged in a child abuse investigation are in custody after surrendering to authorities, the Dallas Morning News reports. Four of the men are charged with sexually abusing girls under the age of 17. The fifth, said to be the physician at the sect's Yearning for Zion ranch, is charged with failing to report child abuse.
    More »

  • Jeffs, Sect Members Face Sex Charges

    Jul 22, 08 9:27 PM CDT
    Jeffs, Sect Members Face Sex Charges Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs and four members of the Texas ranch raided by authorities in April now face charges of sexually abusing girls under the age of 17, the Houston Chronicle reports. One of those indicted also is charged with bigamy, and a sixth person is accused of failure to report child abuse. A Texas grand jury handed down the charges today after two days of considering the state’s evidence. More »

  • Sect Kids Aren't Going Home

    May 30, 08 9:51 PM CDT
    Sect Kids Aren't Going Home The parents of children taken from a polygamist ranch in Texas will not see their kids on Monday after all. At the last minute, a lawyer objected to the state's deal with the sect and stopped the judge from ordering the children's release. Now the judge plans to get them home by canceling the original order to raid the sect, the San Antonio Express-News reports. More »

Department of Public Safety spokeswoman, front center, is followed into a news conference by Schleicher County Sheriff David Doran, middle right, and Texas Rangers Capt. Barry Caver, center rear, to discuss...   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Texas Rangers Capt. Barry Caver, right, responds to questions about raid on the YFZ polygamist compound in Texas.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The main temple on the grounds of the "Yearning For Zion" Ranch, home of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Eldorado, Texas.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
A Texas State Trooper is seen patrolling the grounds as members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, rear, gatherat one of the structures of their temporary housing.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 3)

Tags

Texas • rape • polygamy • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints • Yearning for Zion ranch • Warren Jeffs • child molestation



Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other US Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »