Texas officials 'preparing for the worst'

Texas officials said Saturday that 183 individuals — including 137 infants and children — have been removed from the YFZ polygamist ranch in Eldorado.

In addition, ambulances were sent to the West Texas ranch as authorities said sect leaders refused to let them search for a 16-year-old member who reported being abused.

Law enforcement is "preparing for the worst" said prosecutor Allison Palmer, saying ambulances were being sent "in case this were to go in a way that no one wants."

Of the 137 children, 18 are in custody of the Texas Child Protective Services and have already been placed in foster homes in the area.

"They seem to be doing well, given the circumstances," said CPS spokesman Patrick Crimmins.

The individuals have been removed based on evidence of abuse or neglect, Crimmins said, "or the imminent threat there might be abuse or neglect and the grounds that we are unaware of other family or care-givers that we're sure could protect them from that abuse or neglect."

An ongoing investigation has resulted in the removal of the children — 97 girls, 40 boys and 46 young women over the age of 18 — for questioning in the case regarding reports that involve a 50-year-old man and his 16-year-old bride. They have been living on the YFZ Ranch, which is owned by the Fundamentalist LDS Church.

Crimmins said more than 30 CPS agents have been involved in interviews with the women and children. Four CPS agents remain inside the compound, working with law enforcement, to ensure the safety of the children, he said. The removal was ordered by a judge. CPS could not confirm if they have actually found the 16-year-old girl.

More than 25,000 children go through Texas CPS each year, and Crimmins said 17,500 are currently in paid foster care. The number of children taken from YFZ Ranch is "challenging," he said, "but we are up to it."

Child welfare officials were looking for foster homes for the girls, most of whom have rarely been outside the insular world of the FLDS. They were being housed for now at a civic center.

"We're dealing with children that aren't accustomed to the outside world, so we're trying to be very sensitive to their needs," Marleigh Meisner, another CPS spokesperson, told the media during a press conference Saturday.

The investigation began after a 16-year-old living there complained of physical abuse. A search warrant, issued late Friday, authorized state troopers to enter the retreat and look for evidence of a marriage between the girl and Dale Barlow, 50.