From Deseret News archives:
Texas ranch probe grows
Local newspapers in Eldorado, Texas, reported that law-enforcement personnel serving a search warrant on the YFZ polygamist ranch had entered the temple, which FLDS members consider sacred, and then moved on to the temple annex. There was no report of any violence, although FLDS Church leaders had initially refused to let police enter the temple. Ambulances were moved into the area near the West Texas ranch earlier in what authorities said was a precautionary move in case things took a turn for the worse.
Texas officials said Saturday that 183 individuals — including 137 infants and children — were removed from the ranch while they searched for a 16-year-old member who reported being abused.
Law enforcement is "preparing for the worst," said prosecutor Allison Palmer, noting that the 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.
Those removed from the compound were taken 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 caregivers 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 a case stemming from reports that involve a 50-year-old man and his alleged 16-year-old bride. Officials believe 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 officials 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.
