Seized Records, Carolyn and Basket Ball

May 6th: Texas used seized FLDS records against polygamous sect
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_9165683

Excerpt

Census sheets found in a safe at a polygamous sect's ranch in west Texas both support and contradict the state's claim of a widespread culture of underage marriage.

Texas authorities used the sheets to convince a judge that there was a "pervasive pattern" among the FLDS of marrying underage girls to older men.

A review of the "Father's Family Information" sheets shows a handful of 16-year-old wives, 13 young monogamous couples and 24 men with multiple wives - including one man with 21 wives and 36 children.


May 6th: State ordered to help prosecute polygamist sect cases
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/5758913.html

Excerpt

SAN ANGELO — The judge who last month ordered 463 children from a polygamist sect into state custody said the state attorney general should help with any criminal cases that may arise from an April raid on the sect's ranch.

State District Judge Barbara Walther's order, signed Monday, instructs the attorney general's office to assist in prosecuting any cases that may arise from two search warrants served on the Yearning For Zion Ranch during raids in early April.

The attorney general's office offered help in working through the massive case, Allison Palmer, first assistant district attorney in the area, told the San Angelo Standard-Times.

"There's the possibility there for us to have quite a bit to do," she said. Such rulings are routine in large cases such as this.


May 6th: Jessop says Jeffs to blame for FLDS troubles
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695276776,00.html

Excerpt

It has been a busy month for Carolyn Jessop.
In addition to myriad media interviews, promoting a best-selling book and taking care of her family, she just returned last week from her third trip to Texas helping educate government workers, volunteers and professionals about the unique culture of the Fundamentalist LDS Church.

Jessop, Shannon Price and other Utahns have been sharing their insights into the religion with Texas authorities. Both Jessop and Price still strongly believe Texas is doing the right thing by placing more than 450 children into state custody and investigating allegations of abuse.


May 6th: Polygamist Community Gets Back In The Game Of Sports
http://www.kutv.com/content/news/topnews/story.aspx?content_id=4d2dad75-c75c-43a9-8462-8e580f26d203

Excerpt

The thumping of basketballs in a high school gymnasium may be a familiar sound at most schools, but in Colorado City every ball that bounces is extraordinary.

When Warren Jeffs ruled, no sports were allowed. Once he left, the state of Arizona took over El Capitan High School and volunteer coaches stepped forward.

Women's coach Natalie Zitting was among the first in line.

"A lot of them had never picked up a basketball before," she said.

The school organized try-outs and had no idea what to expect.

"We advertised it and all types of kids showed up, and all sorts of clothing apparel," Zitting said.

The school didn't turn a single child away, and soon boys' coach Joel Heaton said the sport took on a life of its own."Where they eat, drink and sleep basketball," he said.


May 4th: Caregivers learn about FLDS ways
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_9148959

Excerpt

Avoid red toys and clothes. Give them useful chores. Don't take offense at any prejudicial comments or attitudes.

Those are among tips caregivers received from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services two weeks ago as it moved about 460 children from a polygamous sect to group homes and shelters.

They got a second round of advice this week in a two-day workshop crammed with experts on cults, child abuse, trauma, foster care and critics of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

"We are developing a range of services to meet therapeutic needs of the children with a greater understanding of their culture, religion and family and looking at ways to incorporate those elements in ongoing service planning," said Mary Walker, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

The state's approach has angered the FLDS, who accused Texas of turning to "hate groups" for advice.