Attorneys, media, others descend on San Angelo for FLDS custody hearing

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Attorneys, the media and polygamist wives in long flowing dresses already have started filtering into the downtown courthouse and City Hall auditorium here for what is anticipated to be at least a day-long hearing to determine the fate of 416 Fundamentalist LDS Church children.

A variety of police cars, huge satellite TV trucks from a number of media outlets and a host of other visitors have been crammed into this west Texas town for what is said to be the nation's largest ever child custody case.

Because of the crowds, the hearing before Judge Barbara Walther also is being teleconferenced in the expansive auditorium of City Hall, a four-story building constructed in 1928.

Security demands are such that public safety officials from all disciplines — including fire marshals and a narcotics detective who was working front-door security — are being tapped to make sure things go smoothly.

Outside the courthouse on the sidewalk was Mary Batchelor, executive director of Principle Voices. The Utah-based organization has worked closely with Attorney General Mark Shurtleff in setting up the so-called "safety net," which seeks to bridge the gap between polygamists and state bureaucracies. She said today that her group was shocked by the April 3 raid at the YFZ Ranch in Eldorado, Texas, and that it was reminiscent of similar raids that occurred in Utah in the 1930s , '40s and '50s.

Those raids, she said, also were prompted by allegations of child abuse, claims that were later proven to be unsubstantiated.

"We ask that people not rush to judgment," Batchelor said.

While not officially affiliated with the FLDS religion, Batchelor said she is here to support the families.

"Our hearts go out to the mothers. We'd like to see reunification if possible," she said.

Richard, one of the polygamist fathers who has a 3-month-old child in state custody in the San Angelo Coliseum, tried to enter the courthouse today but finally gave up because the lines were so long.

"We don't trust the judicial system to give us justice and fairness. We trust in God," he said.

The father said he hoped to be able to witness the court hearing in the overflow at City Hall.

As the eyes of the nation turn to San Angelo today, the city's residents said they worry about the fate of the 416 children taken from a polygamous compound and largely stand by their state's actions.