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Stand-off at US polygamist ranch
A tense stand-off is developing between authorities and sect leaders at a polygamist compound following allegations of child abuse.
- Agencies
- Published: 10:19 April 6, 2008
Texas: A tense stand-off is developing between authorities and sect leaders at a polygamist compound following allegations of child abuse.
Police officials want to search the temple for a teenage girl, but sect leaders are refusing. Authorities say they will forcibly remove followers “as peaceably as possible,'' but say they are preparing “for the worst.''
A search warrant authorized officers to enter the retreat, run by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They are looking for evidence of an alleged marriage between the girl and a 50-year-old man.
According to officials, the girl had a baby eight months ago, when she was 15.
Meanwhile, state welfare officials say they have removed almost 200 women and children from the compound.
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