From Deseret News archives:
Texas city awaiting next phase of case
Criminal charges against FLDS are expected soon
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
realitycheck,
Can you please supply me with a list of all the...
Brent Hartman | June 10, 2008 at 10:15 p.m.
You can have as many wives as you want - no one cares. Just stop...
realitycheck | June 10, 2008 at 9:52 a.m.
The FLDS people have had their rights violated in more ways than can...
Think!!!! | June 10, 2008 at 9:50 a.m.
- Mitchell called intelligent, controlling 1:19 a.m.
- Brems outlasts 2nd round of votes 1:04 a.m.
- 2 families divided over slaying 1:04 a.m.
- Teen shot in scuffle with trooper 1:03 a.m.
- Nature's Way leaving Utah County 1:03 a.m.
- 'Grandfamilies' a growing trend 12:31 a.m.
- 'Cyber Monday' sales top records 12:29 a.m.
- 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game 12:26 a.m.
- No drugs in driver of Am.F. band bus 12:15 a.m.
- Governor Mansion to begin free tours 12:14 a.m.
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
- Y. student vanished in China
- Max Hall issues apology
- Utes won't respond to Hall
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
- Cougs begin bowl preparations
- Teen shot in scuffle with trooper
- Mitchell called intelligent, controlling
- Matthews passes new Jazz tests
- Daughter: Mitchell fed me my pet
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
898 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
481 - Max Hall issues apology
379 - Hall reprimanded by MWC
370 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
316 - Utes won't respond to Hall
257 - BYU is champion of the state
140 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
121 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
120 - Religion in politics is tiresome
110
Live 'Twittologue' Dec. 2, 4:00 p.m. with Jason Chaffetz. Click for more.
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
There are some games I love not on your list. Arkham Asylum for one.
Our parents made my brothers help kill and clean our rabbits before we ate...
Why would you keep it open? I would understand if there was a lot of amazing...
The government will run our health care well? Read Reader's Digest, November...
TCU stomped on the MWC so they are naturally ready to crush Florida, Alabama...
could you understand Dave Locke any more than my mom does and she is not even...
Attending the ND/BYU game 3 years ago in south bend, a couple of things stuck...
I missed the game, actually i heard a little bit of Locke on the radio (man...
quotes were good: Article was dumb and unnecessary.
I believe the art depicting Joseph looking at the plates may possibly be...


