From Deseret News archives:
With FLDS families reunited, Texas officials shift investigation to criminal phase
The conversations heard around this city, which has been at the center of controversy for more than two months, seem to have steered away from the raid at the YFZ Ranch and the many allegations of activities there.
"We're just enjoying the quiet lull until the next phase begins, which is the criminal cases," a court clerk here declared.
Investigators have been working behind the scenes, continuing to pore over an estimated 1,000 boxes of evidence and other items taken from the Fundamentalist LDS Church's 1,700-acre ranch in early April.
Most courtroom observers, including attorneys, seem confident some sort of criminal charges will be filed within the next few weeks. For weeks, Child Protective Services has talked about underage brides, sexual abuse and physical abuse. There's even been talk about potential bigamy charges.
The Texas Attorney General's Office has taken over the criminal investigations. But it's hard to get much out of them but vague comments.
"The evidence will dictate the direction of the investigation."
CPS is also continuing to investigate, even though the children are no longer in state custody.
"We'll continue to conduct interviews and gather information to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred," spokeswoman Marleigh Meisner said. "If there is no abuse, we'll close the case."
DNA test results from the parents of the children taken from the ranch are being reviewed by CPS as part of that investigation. If the results are going to be used as part of a criminal investigation, a court will have to approve that request.
Strickland declined to say whether investigators will make such a request.
CPS caseworkers will visit each of the homes where the children are living, Meisner said. When the children were returned, Judge Barbara Walther set conditions, including allowing CPS access for unannounced home visits. During such visits, parents agreed to allow child welfare workers to interview and examine the children in the home or at "any other reasonable location."
How often those visits occur will be determined by the individual needs of the family, Meisner said.
The parents are also required to take "standard parenting classes," according to the order.
Recent comments
At least Texas had the guts to attempt to protect these children....
Anonymous | June 11, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.
Criminal charges need to ensue in order to reign in those who have...
Logos | June 7, 2008 at 10:16 p.m.
Abby | 10:44 a.m. June 7, 2008
"In this country Muslims are
not...
Daniel | June 7, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.
- George lost in rivalry hatefest 1:33 a.m.
- Paul returns after being out 1:04 a.m.
- Nets finally win 1:04 a.m.
- Olympus downs Box Elder 1:03 a.m.
- Saint Mary's next for Aggies 1:03 a.m.
- Cougars look to bounce back 1:03 a.m.
- Battle goes to PG's Hamson 1:03 a.m.
- Snow hopes to snap bowl game skid 1:03 a.m.
- U.S. gets favorable World Cup draw 1:03 a.m.
- Utah's Wynn healing up 1:03 a.m.
- Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
- Mr. Football 2009: Tuni Kanuch
- 5A high school football All-State
- Miller predicted Tiger's rough road
- 4A high school football: All-State
- Utah Jazz going green with unis
- Harpring's NBA career is over
- Nutty Putty Cave to be sealed today
- MVPs wrap up stellar prep careers
- Jazz: Miles, Kirilenko to play Friday
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
410 - Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
294 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
247 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
237 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
189 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
184 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
118 - Max Hall: a fixture in rivalry lore
118 - Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan
104
Trolley Square's annual Holiday Open House will feature visits with...
That does it — I'm having an affair! Thanks to Tiger Woods, David...
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
and they are correct. Good grief.
In the wake of a great, competitive game all people can talk about is Max...
For those who keep saying there are other places where you can go "to...
Boozer is just doing and showing what he has always had, Talent! As long as...
Condolences to the LeBaron family! He was the mission Pres in South Africa...
I've enjoyed reading Dick Harmon's articles through the years. An enduring...
I think we have found our stride. But we need to bring in one more player to...
to make a move until nearer the deadline. You can't get the best player until...
"If this team had an interior Defense for 48 minutes they would contend. "...
What have you done for me lately, Boozer? Well, lately Boozer has been...


