From Deseret News archives:

'I stand on Fifth,' FLDS mom tells court in custody battle

CPS wants judge to put 7 children in foster care

Published: Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 12:12 a.m. MDT
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Gutierrez acknowledged that the 11-year-old boy has shown no signs of abuse but said his sister being married to Jeffs at age 12 no doubt had an effect on him. She testified that two of Jessop's adult sons took underage brides, and three daughters were married underage.

But with Jeffs in jail, Rios asked her if she had any evidence to show marriages are happening now. She said she did not have any beyond Aug. 2, 2006 — weeks before Jeffs was arrested.

"What would it take for the children to stay with their mother?" Walther asked at the end of the hearing.

Gutierrez said she had concerns about Jessop's disciplinary behavior, the children's education and financial well-being, and she sought to have a DNA test for Merril Jessop.

"I can't go back and undo the 12-year-old marriage," she said.

A Texas grand jury is scheduled to meet on Thursday to hear evidence of crimes involving FLDS members. Six men, including Jeffs, have been indicted on charges ranging from sexual assault of children to bigamy and failure to report child abuse.


E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com

Recent comments

To tigerlily:

Their religion is protected under the Constitution,...

Rae | Jan. 15, 2009 at 2:41 p.m.

Sheryle. each of these men do not have 100 children. the world is...

tigerlily | Aug. 19, 2008 at 10:54 p.m.

I have asked on other comment boards with regards to the FLDS...how...

Claire | Aug. 19, 2008 at 10:51 p.m.

Image

FLDS mother Barbara Jessop stands outside the Tom Green County Courthouse in San Angelo, Texas, on Monday. She refused to answer more than 50 questions during a custody hearing at courthouse.

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