Tally of FLDS children jumps from 416 to 437

DNA samples continue to be taken from the children. They are given a cheek swab, then are photographed and fingerprinted. They have each been assigned a number to identify them and the sample they gave.

"It will take about 30 days to receive results, maybe a little longer," said Janece Rolfe of the Texas Attorney General's Office, which is taking the samples at a cost of $100 per person, footed by taxpayers.

The DNA samples may help determine paternity, but some associated with the FLDS Church fear it could be used in an ongoing criminal probe into the polygamous sect.

"I would assume that's the real reason they want it," said Rod Parker, a Salt Lake City attorney who is acting as a spokesman for the FLDS Church, who spoke with the Deseret News on Monday.

The Texas Attorney General's Office would only say the purpose of the DNA samples is to establish child custody, separate from any criminal investigation.

The raid on the YFZ Ranch began April 3 when authorities were investigating a phone call purportedly made by a 16-year-old girl who claimed she was abused, pregnant and in a polygamous marriage to a 50-year-old man. Once child welfare workers were on the ranch, they said they discovered other evidence of abuse.

A judge signed an order for removal of all of the children from the YFZ Ranch and last week ruled that all of the children should remain in state protective custody.

Foster care coming

Once the DNA samples are gathered, child welfare workers will move forward with placing the children in foster care.

"We've got some of the placements lined up, but we're still waiting for some guidance from the court," said Greg Cunningham with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Child protective services said the children will be kept in groups, including teenage mothers with their children and siblings grouped together. The children will likely not be going to a typical foster home, Cunningham said.

"It's a home-type setting. A majority of them would go to a residential facility," he said Monday. "There are several different options out there."

Because of security reasons, authorities refused to discuss how the children would be transitioned from the San Angelo Coliseum to foster care. He also said contingency plans are in place for children who may attempt to run away from a foster home but declined to reveal more because of security risks.

Outside the coliseum on Monday, the police presence was heavy. Texas state troopers, Tom Green County sheriff's deputies, San Angelo police and unmarked patrol cars have all been seen circling the large parking lot surrounding the building questioning people who stepped onto the parking lot.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com