Polygamist Moms Beg Governor for Help

Mothers from a polygamist Texas sect are appealing to the governor to investigate the welfare of their children in state custody, AP reports. Three moms sent a letter claiming that several of the 416 kids seized in a raid on their compound because of suspected child abuse have been hospitalized, and that state custody is "traumatizing" them.

"Our innocent children are continually being questioned on things they know nothing about," the letter said. "The physical examinations were horrifying to the children." One member also claims that cell phones were seized as punishment from the children and mothers who voluntarily accompanied them, who are being housed in a fort near the group's sprawling Eldorado ranch. State officials have said the children are safe. Custody hearings begin this week. (More Mormon stories.)