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May 17, 2008 1:24:47 AM CDT

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DNA Tests on Polygamists Begin  

Posted Apr 21, 08 4:37 AM CDT in Crime,  US    Most Covered

(newser) – Texas officials begin taking DNA samples today from 416 children removed from a  polygamist sect and from adults who lived with them. The tests will be used to sort out the parentage of the children in the confusing mix of families with multiple mothers on the sprawling Eldorado ranch, reports the Houston Chronicle.

Once samples are collected, all the children will be placed in foster care as an investigation continues into the sect's suspected practice of allowing men to marry underage girls. Officials have confirmed that mothers who were allowed to stay with young children will soon be separated from them. A judge ruled last week that preliminary evidence indicated children were at risk of abuse, and they may be held for at least six more weeks.

Source Houston Chronicle

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DNA Tests on Polygamists Begin
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints file out of the Tom Green County Courthouse following the custody hearing in Friday.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
DNA Tests on Polygamists Begin
One of the mothers of the FLDS sect whose children have been taken into care by Texas officials. DNA samples will be taken Monday to determine the parentage of 416 children from the ranch.   (AP Photo/Keith Johnson, Deseret News)
DNA Tests on Polygamists Begin
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints file out of the Tom Green County Courthouse following the custody hearing in Friday.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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marriage  • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints  • sexual abuse  • Yearning for Zion ranch  • child custody  • FLDS  • San Angelo


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