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Eldorado Sect Has Branch in South Dakota

No abuse allegations, but police wonder about 'locked-down operation'

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Apr 28, 2008 11:38 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The polygamous sect currently under investigation in Eldorado, Texas, has a sister compound in Pringle, SD—and it's making locals queasy, USA Today reports. The Pringle compound was started by the same leader in 2003, and is valued over $4.5 million. "They don't just open their doors," says the local sheriff, adding that there have been no abuse allegations. "It's a locked-down operation."

"People say if (polygamy) is happening down there, it's happening up here," Custer County Sheriff Rick Wheeler said, but "it's like anybody's residence. We have to have probable cause to go in."

Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are assisted by law enforcement officials in this file photo.
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are assisted by law enforcement officials in this file photo.   (Associated Press)
Schleicher County Sheriff's deputies look on as members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints arrive to submit to DNA testing in Eldorado, Texas.
Schleicher County Sheriff's deputies look on as members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints arrive to submit to DNA testing in Eldorado, Texas.   (Associated Press)
A member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and a mother of four children in state custody becomes emotional while outside the Yearning For Zion ranch near Eldorado, Texas.
A member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and a mother of four children in state custody becomes emotional while outside the Yearning For Zion ranch near Eldorado, Texas....   (Associated Press)
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Pringle home to Eldorado members: locals
Rapid City Journal (SD)

Pringle sect leader concerned over possible raid
Rapid City Journal (SD)

 
polygamy • South Dakota • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints • Eldorado • sect

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