From Deseret News archives:
Child welfare worker describes FLDS ranch as 'scary environment'
The supervisor also noted that the children's names and ages changed, even from the time they took the short bus ride to the time they arrived at the civic center.
The custody cases being considered Thursday have been segregated into three separate blocks. The first block represents approximately 100 or so children, while the largest group of children in the second block. The third block represents 16 children. It's unclear how each group was separated.
Prior to Voss's testimony, Thursday's hearing had included arguments about nearly every other legal issue except custody of the 416 children who were removed from the Fundamentalist LDS Church ranch earlier this month and placed into state custody.
The authenticity of records, unlawful search and seizure, questions of venue, and of course, freedom of religion issues and other issues were all being raised Thursday.
Walther, who described herself as a "simple country judge," tried to juggle objections from many of the more than 350 attorneys representing all areas of Texas who are present to handle the monumental case. Every mother has legal representation as do the children.
An attorney for the state said, "This is not a case against the church. It is about child sex abuse a pattern of sexual assault."
One issue argued extensively Thursday was the admissibility of documents that Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Danny Crawford was prepared to testify he had seized from the YFZ Ranch during a search on April 5. He said the documents, which were labeled Exhibit No. 4, were discovered in a safe in an office of one of the buildings at the ranch.
But several attorneys launched objections asserting that the documents are protected under a clergy-parishioner religious privilege. Called a "bishop's record," prosecutors said the documents contain a list of names and ages, including indications of underage pregnant girls.
Attorney Amy Hennington also argued that attorneys needed more time to review them. Another attorney cited objections to the documents' admissibility under the Fourth Amendment, saying they were procured by an unlawful search and seizure. He also raised concerns over the 14th Amendment, asserting due process claims.
Recent comments
This is just wrong. Thus far there are only allegations. Again why...
johnp | May 21, 2008 at 1:02 p.m.
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Anonymous | April 30, 2008 at 4:40 a.m.
Does nobody out there think it strange that under the guise of...
Tracey (italy) | April 29, 2008 at 4:42 a.m.
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