Deseret News | Reader comments: Judge grants a restraining order against FLDS's Jessop

Reader comments
Judge grants a restraining order against FLDS's Jessop

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Thomas | 12:13 a.m. June 21, 2008

I have often how lawyers representing children in cases of alleged abused determined what the child's interest are. It appears that Ms. Malonis is following her own bias. Also, the juvenile is being aallowed no say in this matter.

no more FLDS stories!! | 12:40 a.m. June 21, 2008

It is difficult to find a news outlet more dedicated to stories on the FLDS than the Deseret News. Why we must have one or more articles on this topic every SINGLE DAY is perplexing. Can the editor please explain why?

There is so much more going on in the world today...

Interloper | 3:31 a.m. June 21, 2008

Ms. Malonis is the girl's guardian ad litem. She is assigned because the girl lacks the maturity to look after her own interest. Nor does a minor who has apparently been abused have the judgment to select a representative on her own. Willie Jessop is looking out for the interest of the FLDS' elite, not the girl's. I think it was a mistake for Ms. Malonis to meet with Jessop. But, maybe some useful evidence can be garnered from that meeting.

Comments continue below

Re" no more FLDS | 3:44 a.m. June 21, 2008

Could this be yet another, Waco or Ruby Ridge where these people were attacked by their own government? Could you be next if your religion (or lack thereof) is not government approved? Don't take this lightly, it has nothing to do with how you or anybody feels about polygamy. It is about our government out of control and abusing people's rights. Some think these kinds of stories should be shouted from the house tops all over America and the world! If there were young girls being raped and beaten, why not prosecute the men for rape and assult? Their only crime was that their religion is not a "good religion" according to Texas officials.

Fanny Alger | 4:09 a.m. June 21, 2008

Isn't the answer to your question obvious? Because LDS identify so strongly with these people that they officially have nothing in common with.

Every heard of 1st ammendment | 5:08 a.m. June 21, 2008

That is why this has gottan so much attention.

Eye Dee Ten Tee | 5:23 a.m. June 21, 2008

Yeah. No more stories about high gas prices either! We already know the prices are high. If there are no stories then the problem goes away. And about the weather section: Do we really need it every SINGLE DAY?

How about a bucket of sand delivered with my paper? Then I can stick my head in it and not worry about anything else.

to No More | 6:35 a.m. June 21, 2008

If you don't want to read any more you don't have to, DUH!

Cats | 6:38 a.m. June 21, 2008

I have no doubt that this girl is being intimidated and controlled by Jessop. Unforunately, these FLDS leaders have never heard of the principle of personal moral agency. Based on big egos, a need for power and out-of-control sex drive, they have exercised unrighteous dominion for many decades. Willie Jessop is no better than Warren Jeffs.

Only if you are unafraid of truth can you find it. I hope the FLDS people will have the courage to face the TRUTH--that they are following uninspired, corrupt and evil leaders who rule by fear and abuse. I pray that they will.

FLDS Stories | 6:50 a.m. June 21, 2008

There are 9 other headlines on the home page....if you want business news go to the wall street journal site. If you want sports news go to espn. If you don't want to be kept informed about the FLDS fiasco then don't click on the story.

an important story | 7:39 a.m. June 21, 2008

yes there are other stories but not so important when a state goes after a church and violates its members civil rights because of their beliefs

Seeking HELP | 7:47 a.m. June 21, 2008

Please keep up the good work on flds we must get this fixed

Liberty | 8:40 a.m. June 21, 2008

To "no more FLDS stories" -- you obviously know little about local interest stories...San Angelo TX and other media outlets also published the same story. I personally am appreciative of the Deseret News' keeping us abreast of events related to this story. Regarding the Deseret News publishing more FLDS stories than any other media outlet, you are wrong...the Salt Lake Tribune continues to publish many more "polygamy" articles (and more objective I might add) than the Deseret News. Oh, for you "Fanny Alger," you really deserve no response...you're "name" already identifies you as having an axe to grind against the LDS Church.

Anonymous | 9:16 a.m. June 21, 2008

Maybe all these court hearings should be held in another county that is not corrupted by the FLDS.
They have the law enforcement all the way up in their hip pockets.
I would like at least for all the hearings to be held in closed chambers where the women and children feel more safe to testify without Willie and the others sitting in front of them.
They are very afraid of Willie and others hearing what they say.

maia | 9:18 a.m. June 21, 2008

Cats: you have identified an important aspect of this problem: leadership. If one uses imtimidation, threats, abuse, or violence--he is not a leader. Leaders help individuals find their own internal motivation and can provide guidance when needed. FLDS know nothing of leadership--they may only know dictatorship.

fae | 9:43 a.m. June 21, 2008

You have to remember there has not been any proof that there is abuse in FLDS!! Elissa Wall is just a paid actress by the state and others!

fae | 9:49 a.m. June 21, 2008

Elissa Wall IS PAID TO LIE by the state of Ut. There has never been abuse proven in FLDS or in Texas.

Hope Lives | 9:52 a.m. June 21, 2008

To interloper:

Ms Malonis is the attorney ad litem and is required to represent her clients wishes. If the clients wishes seem contradictory to her best interest, the court can, at any parties request, appoint a separate guardian ad litem to represent the best interest of the minor. This would not eliminate Ms. Malonis ethical requirement she represent her clients wishes as the attorney ad litem. The attorney ad litem and the guardian ad litem can be the same person, but when the two jobs are in conflict, that person would have the ethical obligation to request two separate people be assigned to each task. Judge Walther has clear evidence that this could be the case, and also has an ethical obligation to appoint a separate guardian ad litem for the girl.

lois | 9:57 a.m. June 21, 2008

Perhaps Malonis is fired and the girl has a new lawyer.

Think!!!!! | 9:59 a.m. June 21, 2008

Intimidation threats and tactics?????!!!!!! My, My, My, What did the CPS and Judge Walthers, and yes, now this attorney that is keeping this young girl from the people she LOVES, what about itimidation tactics??? Just because people are accused of abusing her, she is not saying that. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN TRIED OR CONVICTED OF ANYTHING!!!This attorney is using her biased opinion and the false reports in the media to try and keep this girl from her family. Oh, and by the way, what teenager doesn't know what they want in life--what a crock!! The reason there ARE so many gangs is because the teenagers have been stiffled with "the system" and can't get a job or feel an importance in their lives so they have to go be "tough."

birgit | 10:00 a.m. June 21, 2008

have annyone ever thought,these men are sexsual
preatadors,in hiding?

Cats | 10:01 a.m. June 21, 2008

For all of you who think that the FLDS are being so persectued--please think about it some more! There is no freedom of choice for these women and children--even most of the men. It is a case of mass abuse. No freedom exists where individuals are never given the right to know anything different than what their leaders are forcing down their throats.

Some FLDS have recently moved into the town I live in. When offered a book, one little FLDS girl (about 12 years old)stated that she doesn't know how to read. Are they now preventing girls from even being able to read in an attempt to control them even further.

If these leaders really believed they were the true mouthpieces of God they would have no fear in letting their people hear all sides and choose for themselves. Instead they do everything they can to stop the truth from being heard. That is SATAN'S way. Their only concern is their own power and their own interest.

Warren Jeffs has admitted to the world that he is not a prophet and he never was. As hard as it, please face up to the truth!

tigerlily | 10:08 a.m. June 21, 2008

to fae. have you read her book

zxcvbnm | 10:13 a.m. June 21, 2008

Isn't it interesting that when Ms Walls waivered in her testimony against Jeffs her brother, and other exflds family members, coaxed her to testify against Jeffs. When Willie opens his mouth and requests another lawyer for the girl he is intimidating everyone.
When asked by 20/20 about underage marraiges his answer was "what part of hell no don't you understand". I guess he intimidated a few people with that answer too.
So what part of the girls letter to Judge Walther doesn't everyone understand. The girl wants a new lawyer because the lawyer lies about her family and church.
Malonis would not submit proper paperwork to prove that her 18 year old client was an adult, as well as supported the reversal of the 3rd court decision. She also supported the false claims of CPS alleging that the girl was pregnant and or had a child.
Just give the girl another lawyer before Malonis represents her client into a CPS sanctioned juvinile facility.

Very tired of FLDS | 10:21 a.m. June 21, 2008

I also am very tired of FLDS apostate stories. These people are not LDS Mormons, and they need to be dealt with by the law. I'm tired of reading about all these deviate FLDS men. makes my stomach turn!!!!

Cats | 10:23 a.m. June 21, 2008

to FAE: Elissa is not the only person who has made these charges. MANY others say the same thing. This has been going on for many years and some have had the courage to escape and speak out. Elissa (very reluctantly)finally had the courage to testify in court. And, by the way, a conviction in court is considered legal "proof." Warren Jeffs is a charleton and a fraud as well as a child molester. He has now been brought to justice before a mortal tribunal. He will also be brought to account before the Judgment Bar of Christ. That's when he and these other evil leaders will face TRUE justice.

And to all other FLDS out there: I know it is hard to face the truth when you have never had the chance to know anything different. For the sake of your children, please have the courage to do this. It is not too late.

Vegas | 10:25 a.m. June 21, 2008

How sad for this 16 year old victim to be used as a wishbone between all these powerful adults. So, after the tug-o-war, I guess whoever gets the largest part of the wishbone wins, but no matter who wins, the wishbone loses.

Freedom Mann | 10:30 a.m. June 21, 2008

In reply to "no more FLDS stories!!"

I live in NEW YORK CITY. I'm an Atheistic Jewish man who could be called "A Red Diaper Doper Baby." And, I've been following this case; the coverage here on this website is TERRIFIC!

I don't need the bigoted lies that are fed to me by the reporters and reportage of the mainstream newsmedia. Remember, these people who are slighting the FLDS are the same ones who gave Rev. Jeremiah Wright, upon being introduced, a STANDING OVATION when he addressed the National Press Club in Washington, DC. (By the way, who is taking the children away from these reporters? To me, it's a good idea!)

This whole case of the FLDS deserves to publicized because of precisely what it is, a clear attack on the First Amendment by a bunch of hate-mongering "mainstream" Protestants who SHOULD know better but obviously do not; these are the direct descendants of those who lynched Joseph Smith.

It is important to LET ME SEE what GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE DOING TO AN UNPOPULAR RELIGIOUS MINORITY and with that said, I am thankful for the coverage by "The Deseret News."

Thomas | 10:43 a.m. June 21, 2008

When someone gets the facts wrong, you should not believe them. This attorney said the girl had had a baby. Turns out the attorney was wrong. Why should anyone believe you about anything else.

From Minnesota | 10:46 a.m. June 21, 2008

Isn't polygamy against the law?? Why aren't these men/women being charged and prosecuted for that?

Cats | 11:01 a.m. June 21, 2008

To all those who think this cult is being persecuted: Do you think there is any freedom in Short Creek? Do you think the reason these people have to escape in the night is because they feel free? Why do you think they have high walls and barged wire that points inward at the YFZ Ranch in Texas. Why do you think they fled Utah and Arizona. Because they knew they were engaging in crimes and the heat was on.

These people are terrified and have been so abused and intimidated all their lives they are afraid to speak up and do anything except what their leaders tell them to do. A case in point is Elissa's pathetic mother. The States of Texas, Utah and Arizona have had no choice but to step in. That is a legitimate function of government. They are not persecuting a religion, they are prosecuting crimes. Please have the good sense to see the difference.

Yo FLDS men!!! | 11:17 a.m. June 21, 2008

Quit hiding behind your wives pastel skirts. Be it a 90 year old or a 12 year old, I think that you men are disgusting and I hope that any of you that have FORCED girls under 16 to marry and have sex with you will be put behind bars. Maybe they will find Bin Laden and the two of you can fight over the seven virgins, cause your crime against these girls are just as disgusting as the crimes of Bin Laden against this country.

COSMO | 11:21 a.m. June 21, 2008

I too,am tired of reading about all this FLDS, young
sexual, deviant stuff, let's read more about the sexual deviant stuff going on in places like California.

Also I want to hear more about Warren Jeffs; four pair, of Red Rocket Powered underpants. :-)

Just wondering... | 11:35 a.m. June 21, 2008

Why do some commenters try so hard to make CPS sound like Nazis just waiting to take the precious rights of life & liberty away from unsuspecting people? Maybe CPS employees are just a bunch of people trying hard to do what they thought was right. I know that these kinds of jobs have insane turnover rates and they hardly make any money. This isn't about religious persecution, seriously. Where is the "malicious intent?" If I thought there was child abuse going on somewhere I would hope that CPS would investigate thoroughly and act quickly if they perceived a problem.

Casting Spells | 12:04 p.m. June 21, 2008

Too Birgit: yess.

RE: Cats | 12:13 p.m. June 21, 2008

It is truely amazing to read the cps personel's comments on this board, they obviously don't have a clue what they are talking about. "Cats" has shown to be acting in the "CPS's best interests", and not in the best interests of the American public. Stand up Americans, we all need our rights!

Anonymous | 12:22 p.m. June 21, 2008

Ok CATS..one more time. The high fence and barbed wire pointing in is to keep the axis deer in...the place was a controled game hunting ranch BEFORE flds bought it.
Carolyn Jessop called her brother who drove over and picked up her and the children.........some escape huh..
They have a wall around the church.........as does the Temple in Salt Lake.....as do many churches in Europe and The US.
Drive thru LA or Dallas and many neighborhoods have walls around the houses.
Someone mentioned a 12 year old unable to read.....welcome to the american educational system in general.
CPS and MHMR reported that in general the children were at or above grade level.
Everyone needs to ease off the sensational accusations and put this situation in context....thats why we are in this mess in the first place.....wild accusations and rumor.

Nazi's | 12:26 p.m. June 21, 2008

When you call the cop and the court gets involved
Everything is lost
The news will always be bad
I thought this was over and now we have a GRAND JURY ???

zxcvbnm | 12:33 p.m. June 21, 2008

RE COSMO Oh yes the rocket powered underpants...some are praying that the seals blow out like the space shuttle did a few years back. You know of course that the seals were made by an FLDS company(seriously). I am suprised that the FLDS wasn't blamed for sabatoging the shuttle project since Jeffs says we never went to the moon.
Perhaps the rocket powered underpants were used for the FLDS moon resettlement project.....pologamy is legal on the moon ya know.

transplant | 12:34 p.m. June 21, 2008

Freedom Mann: I think this site is invaluable. This story has been swept under the rug for way too long. I'm curious at your discription of yourself as a Atheistic Jewish man. An acquaintance of mine does as well. I was raised catholic now an atheist but I don't identify myself as an atheist catholic. What is the significance of Jewish? Just curious.

Re:Just wondering | 1:04 p.m. June 21, 2008

I just read a case law on a situation in Vermont where the CPS lawyer only reason to take a child was because in the same town some other child was abused. If one child can be abused I guess every child is at risk. That is why I and and other see CPS employees as "NAZIS."

COSMO | 1:37 p.m. June 21, 2008

Re:Yo FLDS men!!!; actually that is 72 virgins. And the virgins, was mistranslated,it really means camels. :-)

PhDAAA | 2:17 p.m. June 21, 2008

I think some people do not recognize the difference between spin, and truth. Members of the FLDS have been accused of terrible things, so Jessop wants to make his church look as good as possible. We must recognize we should take everything he says with a grain of salt. Also the Texas Supreme Court stated CPS broke the law, and they want to redeem themselves if they can. So we must recognize we must take everything representatives of CPS say with a grain of salt.
I do have criticisms against CPS since I think their plan to deal with the FLDS was incompetent, illegal, and counterproductive to preventing abuse. I hope after the incompetent handling of CPS we can find out if abuse did take place.

HarryL | 2:36 p.m. June 21, 2008

If, like myself, you have had a child removed and put into not just foster care but residential treatment for well over a year, given (no kidding) manufactured diagnoses and so on, and this being at the hand of a court appointed attorney against the wishes of CPS, then the reporting of this type of news is critical. It is not that the FLDS are right or wrong, but more so how they are being treated judicially and how they are in regards to the people they claim stewardship over. This girl could be brainwashed and told exactly what to write--my son was. The judge would not go this far unless there was some evidence to support the girl's testimony was biased against her own personal welfare. This is why we have decent, and often very hard working, judges; a criminal justice system, CPS, and so on. It is not to inundate us with meaningless news. Plus, it might be the FLDS wants to feed off the reputation of the LDS Church to gain credibility and that is not only wrong but of malicious intent. So for me, the stories and reporting are essential and praiseworthy.

Anja | 4:14 p.m. June 21, 2008

No one should be forced to keep an attorney they do not want. Not even a child. What kind of farce is that.

Interloper | 5:06 p.m. June 21, 2008

Denial can be a deeply held response coping mechanism. That is why FLDS members and apologists are still claiming there has never been any evidence of child sexual abuse in the group, despite convictions and credible new evidence. Most of those in denial will continue to ignore the facts.

wrz | 5:08 p.m. June 21, 2008

***no more FLDS stories!! 12:40 a.m. - It is difficult to find a news outlet more dedicated to stories on the FLDS than the Deseret News. Why we must have one or more articles on this topic every SINGLE DAY is perplexing. Can the editor please explain why?***

Look at the volume of comments on this and other past FLDS articles. Shows the degree of interest.

zxcvbnm | 5:11 p.m. June 21, 2008

I am sure that there are decent CPS personnel. I have been helped by just such people.
It is just that when a State government appears to use CPS for political purposes and every CPS accusation is proven blatently false that the alarm bells go off.
When adults are confined as children and their legal representitives can't or won't verify their age there is a problem.
When a judge ignores the law and circumvents 14 day hearings there is a problem.
At every turn it appears that the CPS has ignored the law, stretched the truth ...and stalled in order to attempt to control the children and gain information.
MHMR blew the lid on the CPS tactics early in the game.
I just want to know who was pulling the strings of the CPS puppet and why........and lock up the jerk in a cell next to Jeffs. They can pray together and might just become real good friends.

re:Fae | 5:14 p.m. June 21, 2008

GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN!

Sally | 5:22 p.m. June 21, 2008

***birgit 10:00 a.m. - have anyone ever thought,these men are sexual predators, in hiding?***

Most all men are sexual predators in hiding.

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