5 More Arrested From West Texas Polygamist Sect

Published on: Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:55:36 -0700

Plus5 More Arrested From West Texas Polygamist Sect5 More Arrested From West Texas Polygamist SectThe Associated PressFive indicted members of a polygamous group surrendered today to face charges stemming from a Texas investigation into allegations of marriage and motherhood involving underage girls with older men. (July 28)Five members of a West Texas polygamist sect turned themselves in to authorities Monday. These men-- along with Warren Jeffs, the already-jailed church leader-- face charges child sexual abuse charges. Officials aren't releasing details of what the men were accused of doing. But the charges stem from a state investigation into allegations the sect forced underage girls into marriage and motherhood with much older men. The charges were the first since this raid in April which swept more than 440 children into foster care. The children were later returned home after the state Supreme Court said officials had overreached in seizing custody of the children. A church spokesman previously said the indicted sect members would cooperate. And previously said they don't believe the evidence against the men is "credible." The accused were charged with one count each of sexual assault of a child. If convicted, the men could be sentenced anywhere from 5 years to life in prison. Their bond was set at 100-thousand dollars each. ___ ___, The Associated Press.

Author: AssociatedPress
Keywords: polygamist retreat arrested from west texas sect
Added: July 28, 2008