Texas Rangers Investigating Dozens In Polygamist Case
UNDATED (AP) -The Texas Department of Public Safetyconfirmed TuesdayTexas Rangers are investigating about 20 abuse and 50 bigamy cases involving members of a polygamist sect.
But Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Tela Mange said it was unclear how many cases ultimately will be pursued.
Sect member Willie Jessop had no immediate comment. Rangers are sorting through documents seized from the Yearning For Zion Ranch in April.
More than 400 children were removed from the West Texas ranch over wide-ranging concerns of possible abuse.
The Texas Supreme Court later decided the youngsters must be returned to their parents.
A grand jury in July indicted the jailed leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Warren Jeffs and four followers are accused of sexual assault of a child.
One follower also faces a bigamy charge.
The sect’s doctor is charged with three counts of failing to report child abuse.
…….
The number of ongoing investigations stemming from the raid was first reported today by the Deseret News, citing e-mails released through a public records request.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
