Official: Sect Leader's Son Not Abused

Child Welfare Worker Says Warren Jeff's 6-Year-Old Son OK; Hearings Under Way In Custody Case

(CBS/AP)  A 6-year-old son of polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs did not suffer physical or sexual abuse while living with his mother at the group's Texas ranch, a child welfare case worker testified Monday.

Child Protective Services case worker Joni Manske testified during one of several hearings in which more than 400 individual cases are being considered.

The massive custody cases got under way Monday in all five Tom Green County courtrooms, with parents learning what they must do to regain custody of the children.

Caseworkers for Child Protective Services have until June 5 to have a hearing on every single child - 400-plus hearings to take place over a 2-1/2 week period, reports CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann. For the courts, the logistics are daunting: To accommodate the 200 or more parents, judges in five separate court rooms simultaneously will hear 10 to 12 cases a day.

Texas authorities have 463 children in foster care, taken because of allegations that members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were forcing underage girls into marriage and sex at the sect's compound.

Members of the renegade Mormon sect, which teaches that polygamy brings glorification in heaven, have denied any abuse and said they are being persecuted for their religious beliefs.

"Of course we want to say this isn't about religion," the sect's leader, William Jessup, told reporters. "I think it's sick and pathetic."

The attorney for the 6-year-old boy's mother, Sharon Barlow, objected to the state plan for her to get the boy back, saying it wasn't clear enough. Barlow, 34, must take parenting classes, find a safe living environment and undergo a psychological evaluation, according to the plan.

"This plan is so vague and so broad that my client has no idea what she can do now," attorney Donna Guion said.

State District Judge Barbara Walther agreed the plan should be more specific and asked Guion to provide ideas on how that might be done.

Walther asked Barlow if she understood if her parental rights were subject to termination if she did not comply with the plan. Barlow softly replied "yes" but did not testify otherwise.

The boy is one of 10 in state custody believed to be the children of Jeffs, the sect's jailed leader and prophet. Jeffs was convicted in Utah of being an accomplice to rape in the marriage of a 14-year-old to a 19-year-old.

Authorities have not identified the mothers of more than 100 children. Officials have been trying to group siblings together with their mothers as the custody case moves forward. So far, 168 mothers and 69 fathers have been identified in court documents, though DNA test results are two to four weeks away.

Strassman reports that many fathers have refused DNA testing, worried that the state might try and prove they fathered children with underage girls and press criminal charges.

Child welfare officials have complained that women and children have given different names and lied about ages. The agency has also struggled with identification of children and women because many have similar names, and some of the young women, who don't wear makeup and braid their hair, look much younger than their actual age.

As many as two dozen of the girls held in custody may be adults; authorities are still trying determine their actual ages.

Strassmann reports that some lawyers for the families say it's the state that is the real abuser.

"These children may be sexually abused. The children may be physically abused," Robert Scherrer, an attorney for one of the sect's children told CBS Radio. "There's a whole lot of maybes and what-ifs, but there's not a whole lot of evidence."

The children were removed from the Yearning For Zion Ranch in Eldorado during an April 3 raid that began after someone called a domestic abuse hot line claiming to be a pregnant 16-year-old abused by a much older husband. Strassmann reports that today that case was dismissed. No one ever found her -- or the child she claimed to have.

[bear_jet]

What an atrocity.
All based on a crank call from someone who has a history of crank calls.
All these children and mothers, who may be victims, did nothing illegal are being treated as guilty before proving them innocent, victimized by the country the live in. No wonder they hide! If the men were controlling and abusing the children, why weren%u2019t they removed and locked up?
For more on how our country is destroying children and families, read this story.
U.S. Holding 500 Youths Prisoner In Iraq
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/19/terror/main4106129.shtml

[lochlan-2009]

The government really screwed these kids and their families up pretty good already. Is their ANY competence in government AT ALL?!!! They couldn''t think of a better and easier way to HELP these people. I''m surprised I haven''t heard any judges, prosecuters or FLDS agents getting shot yet, I wouldn''t have to much sympathy for them if they were. You don''t scr#w with peoples kids and family and not expect severe consequences!!

[bear_jet]

I believe if there is any country in the world that can stop social injustice and physiological inequality, that country is ours. I believe we can solve our problems with thought and manner not in violent reaction to fear of the unknown.

[sistatee-2009]

CPS has both feet deep into this tar-baby.

[lochlan-2009]

"Texas authorities have 463 children in foster care, taken because of allegations that members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were forcing underage girls into marriage and *** at the sect''s compound."

I have an "aligation"; All towns and cities, across the entire U.S., are forcing their teens to sleep around and get pregnant at the rate of 750,000 per year. Time to take all the children from these towns and cities, and evaluate whether or not their parents are neglegent and tell them exactly what they must do to keep their children.

[faith_in_w]

Now the liberals all have egg on their faces. The shame they caused all of these poor people. I just hope they can get back to their lives to the way they used to be.

[dan9111]

The idea that putting a gun to these people''s heads and telling how things will be is somehow "good" is ludicrous. While this "cult" is perhaps evil, we will never know for sure until we have an unbiased source. But we do know that parents are being prevented for caring for their own children, even in the cases where there is clearly no abuse whatsoever.

The state has *presumed* guilt, and is now asking for proof of innocence, when in fact they are required to go about this the other way around. If anything is a cult, it is the government officials who are now holding and abusing these children against their wishes. The feminist-nanny-welfare state at its best.

[faith_in_w]

FloydZepp, ofcourse I would be screaming if they were muslim. That would be wrong then. Also they would be training them to be terrorists and to oneday destroy this country.

[yongamerica]

The shame they caused all of these poor people. I just hope they can get back to their lives to the way they used to be.

Like Screwwwing 13 year old girls, kicking boys under 16 out of the house into the real world? Yeah, those were the good ol'' days.

The case is just opened up and crimminal charges worth y of a major ganster mob are coming. All these people are immoral and what they are doing is obviously illegal.

[faith_in_w]

yongamerica, I dont see any reason to be angry. They were only living their lives they way God had told them to do.

[lochlan-2009]

"supports the doinking of 12-year-old girls by 45-year-old men as long as its a bunch of Jesus'''' Followers doing the doinking?"

Sorry Floyd Zepp, forgot I put that post there for you. Took the bait on the quotes too. It appears I got you a little steamed with those global warming facts. Well, don''t pull your money on your alternative energy stocks yet, the media haven''t given up on selling the masses.

Anyway, the taking of children from their parents because other parents in the town were neglegent and abusive to their children is blatantly illegal. The majority of these people have done absolutly nothing wrong as Dan9111 has pointed out. Some of them were victims. Your republican views are shining through the cracks.

[docpeter-2009]

The attorney for the boy''s mother, Sharon Barlow, objected to the state plan for her to get the boy back, saying it wasn''t clear enough. Barlow, 34, must take parenting classes, find a safe living environment and undergo a psychological evaluation, according to the plan.

Sounds pretty clear to me. What is here that is so difficult to understand? Appears to be all spelled out in plain English.

[displeased]

Barlow, 34, must take parenting classes, find a safe living environment and undergo a psychological evaluation, according to the plan.
Posted by docpeter

They should make EVERYBODY do this before having children.

[docpeter-2009]

FloydZeoo wrote, "Well you''''re obviously not very bright. Only Jeff''''s son has been addressed. And I take it you don''''t want the authorities looking into 45-year-old men doinking 12-year-old girls as long as Jesus approves?"

First of all the Mormons are not Christians, although they may try to appear that way. They DO NOT accept Jesus as the Mesiah. They consider Jesus to be the brother of Satan, both created by God. They do not believe in one God, but rather that there are many "levels" for God. They believe that God had multiple wives and children and that if we all "believe" we can also, one day, become God.

Nowhere in their belief system do they acknowledge or consider Jesus the Mesiah. they are an established sect following the teachings of Joesph Smith as well as Bringham Young, much like those that followed James Jones, David Karesh, etc. The only big differences is that they have lastyed longer.

[yongamerica]

Buns up! How about a threesome or a foursome with those braided haired clones? Don''t worry, Daddy has enough to go around for all you B itches.

[yongamerica]

They were only living their lives they way God had told them to do.
And not living the way the law told them to.

The law prevails over beliefs. That''s why you don''t have to worry about me killing your sorry azz.

[rudy654-2009]

The attorney for the boy''''s mother, Sharon Barlow, objected to the state plan for her to get the boy back, saying it wasn''''t clear enough. Barlow, 34, must take parenting classes, find a safe living environment and undergo a psychological evaluation, according to the plan.

Sounds pretty clear to me. What is here that is so difficult to understand? Appears to be all spelled out in plain English.
Posted by docpeter at 03:15 PM

I have come to realize that Americans, by and large, do not believe in constitutional protections even for those who are American. It is just so easy to allow prejudice to be the deciding factor. Sure, I consider them looney, but I also consider all the other so-called "good" Christians on here to be as looney with their nonsense about anti-Christ this and that. But I believe that people are innocent until proven guilty, and then, and only then, do they receive punishment like what is being meted out to these people who have not been proven guilty of anything.

All this is just a test pattern for a very slippery slope.

[rudy654-2009]

The law prevails over beliefs. That''''s why you don''''t have to worry about me killing your sorry azz.


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Posted by yongamerica at 04:16 PM

Bullcaca! The violation of civil rights is a violation of the Supreme Law of the Land. Bet you don''t know what it is.

[yongamerica]

They were only living their lives they way God had told them to do.

Posted by faith_in_w

Are you convinced that GOD, thinks these people are so special, that he''d talk to them directly and tell them to have and F uk as many ****** as they can? None of these women are legally married. They are HARLOTS and stew in deep sin. Their pimp husband cowards treat them like animals. And all this is from GOD''s word? Boy are you the sick one.

[yongamerica]

The violation of civil rights is a violation of the Supreme Law of the Land. Bet you don''''t know what it is.

And this sect has violated many civil rights! And why are you so blind to that fact?

[rudy654-2009]

Anyway, the taking of children from their parents because other parents in the town were neglegent and abusive to their children is blatantly illegal. The majority of these people have done absolutly nothing wrong as Dan9111 has pointed out. Some of them were victims. Your republican views are shining through the cracks.
Posted by lochlan at 03:06 PM

I agree. Basically, the principle for taking the children was purely based on prejudice against their beliefs. That is a violation of due process and equal rights afforded under the Constitution. I probably would disagree with you on many other things. But here you are right.

[rudy654-2009]

And this sect has violated many civil rights! And why are you so blind to that fact?


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Posted by yongamerica at 04:22

That should be proven in court FIRST! Allegations don''t count.

No physical or sexual abuse, huh? How about emotional, spiritual, and intellectual abuse.
Are they properly preparing the sons for the day they get kicked out of the cult because they have become sexual competition for the grey bearded old daddy geezers?

[yongamerica]

The majority of these people have done absolutly nothing wrong as Dan9111 has pointed out.

The majority of FLDS have done absolutely everything wrong as society and the law of the US defines it. These people are no contributing to the betterment of the country. They are making their own. They leach off the welfare state. Their beliefs are counter of the core beliefs of the western world. This is a CULT, as shown by their isolationism. FDLS needs a little Darwinism. And finally the courts are starting to dish that out.

[rudy654-2009]

How about emotional, spiritual, and intellectual abuse.***************

I think teaching your kid that if he don''t believe in Jesus he''s going to burn forever in hell qualifies as emotional abuse. Shall we start removing all children from Christian homes? Let''s get started.

[rudy654-2009]

This is a CULT, as shown by their isolationism. FDLS needs a little Darwinism. And finally the courts are starting to dish that out.


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Posted by yongamerica at 04:27 PM

Are you a Christian?

[yongamerica]

Allegations don''''t count.
Posted by rudy654

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy,
The courts have yet to begin to process the allegations. But several things are direct violations of the law of the USA and that is plural marriages are not allowed. Marriages to minors is not allowed.

Oh that''s right, these "marriages" aren''t recognized in the state of Texas, which makes every child born from this cult BA STARD S and the the children''s Mom''s W *****, and their Fathers lower than a well hung pig''s wang.

These are all facts and not conjecture nor allegations.

[rudy654-2009]

Posted by yongamerica at 04:32 PM

If they''re BAASTARDS then they are good company with all the other illegitimates out there with one mother and but numerous "papas."

[yongamerica]

rudy654 Even though FLDS claims to be Christian they are following the words of Satan. And for you defend them states that you too are a tool of the Devil.

My faith has nothing to do with htese criminals, their beliefs and your warped twisted belief you have to defend these criminals.

[yongamerica]

If they''''re BAASTARDS then they are good company with all the other illegitimates out there with one mother and but numerous "papas."
Posted by rudy654

Yep you said it, not me.

[rudy654-2009]

rudy654 Even though FLDS claims to be Christian they are following the words of Satan. And for you defend them states that you too are a tool of the Devil.

My faith has nothing to do with htese criminals, their beliefs and your warped twisted belief you have to defend these criminals.


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Posted by yongamerica at 04:34 PM

Tool of the devil? Take your religios krap and shove it where the sun don''t shine. I''m not buying. Now, when do we come for your children, since you are obviously bullying them with that religious krap?

[rudy654-2009]

Posted by yongamerica at 04:34 PM

I don''t defend their beliefs, I defend the consititution. But since that makes me a tool of the devil, I am all for you losing your constitutional rights.

[cpaide]

"Filthy inbred mormon Yellowhammers."
Posted by FlangeSqueal

yellowhammers are birds, you ***-faced moron, and they are socially monogamous.

i love the whining and wailing that''s coming from the haters now that the mormans have been vindicated.

go back to your cheap american beer and large-screen televisions purchased with your credit cards that you cannot possible afford. ha ;^)

[gal50]

The interesting case today was the one listed as Sarah Jessop, the phone caller. Her attorney called for it to be dismissed and it was. In other words, the court found that she did not exist.

Perhaps the plans should be more specific, but any attorney should be able to clarify it for the client.

Basically, the parent must find a place to live near her children and other than the ranch since it is clear that known child abusers reside on the ranch. She should get a GED if not already in possession of a valid high school diploma. She should submit to educational testing along with her child. If her child is behind in his/her education, she should arrange for tutoring. She should get a job that supports her and her children and open up a checking and savings account. She should go for psychological testing, parenting classes and therapy in order to understand why she should not expose her children to child abusers.

[acolton1]

You know who my favorite one is on the FDLS when they show all the ladies on TV. I love the one with the UNI-BROW. She is just like the Uni-Brow on Austin Powers and I am sure she is a Lezbeein. FDLS Uni-Brow needs to invest the 2 dollars and buy some tweszers and get a pluckin because its not very attractive and halloween isn''t until October 31.

[acolton1]

FDLS Uni-Brow needs a make over also.

[acolton1]

I am sure if they molested the little girl that some perv molested some of the boys and its been going on for years.

How about emotional, spiritual, and intellectual abuse.***************

I think teaching your kid that if he don''''t believe in Jesus he''''s going to burn forever in hell qualifies as emotional abuse. Shall we start removing all children from Christian homes? Let''''s get started.
Posted by rudy654
--------------------------
I can get on board with that, easy. No doubt in my mind that taking all those little children into all those churches and indoctrinating them, well and truly, BEFORE they''ve had a chance to develop any thinking skills qualifies as child abuse, well and truly! And I am speaking from experience, here.

[milesbrown49]

Wonder if they''ll raid the projects and get the teenage pregnant women out of there too!!

[cpaide]

"Basically, the parent must find a place to live near her children and other than the housing projects since it is clear that known child abusers, drug dealers and gang members reside in the housing projects. She should get a GED if not already in possession of a valid high school diploma. She should submit to educational testing along with her child. If her child is behind in his/her education, she should arrange for tutoring. She should get a job that supports her and her children and open up a checking and savings account. She should go for psychological testing, parenting classes and therapy in order to understand why she should not expose her children to child abusers."
Posted by gal50

let''s be fair. what good for the mormans is good for everyone.

otherwise, quit "shoulding" on everyone and take care of your own children, if you have any worth taking care of.

[markcfl1]

yongamerica
Call the children what you want. I don''t think they care. They nearly escaped a society of pinheads, who like you, think their beliefs should be forced on everyone. Betterment of the country- get real.

[milesbrown49]

I think teaching your kid that if he don''''''''t believe in Jesus he''''''''s going to burn forever in hell qualifies as emotional abuse. Shall we start removing all children from Christian homes? Let''''''''s get started.
Posted by rudy654
________________________________________________

Well rudy654, you would have to take out most of the US Christian population on that. Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah''s Witness, Baptist, Episcopalian and all the other christian religions that preach heaven and hell!!

[rowdytexan2]

agree. Basically, the principle for taking the children was purely based on prejudice against their beliefs. That is a violation of due process and equal rights afforded under the Constitution. I probably would disagree with you on many other things. But here you are right.


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Posted by rudy654 at 04:23 PM : May 19, 2008

Actually they were absolutely correct to take these children out of a situation that could even POSSIBLY be abusive until they can determine whether it is or not.

I would say that a 16 year old girl with four children or anyone in that compound under age 17 purporting to be married without a legal marriage license is enough evidence for anybody.

A town full of old perverts dumping the young boys for trumped up obedience violations and putting them on the street with the life skills of a six year old, while they wait for the next virgin to come available is about as sick as it gets!

I don''t care whose GD religion it is!

"A man has to have at least three wives to get to the highest degree of heaven," he said.
----------------------------
That illustrates the nifty and convenient, not to mention self serving, thing about "belief". You can pick any old nonsensical thing outta nowhere, and call it part of your "belief system".
Like "forty seven virgins all warmed up when you find martyrdom" or "this whole place was created in seven days".
You just pick and choose, whatever you like! Discard what you don''t like.

[Syndicate]

If the child wasn''t abused why does the mother have to have counseling?

This is your first witness against the state of Texas.

If the child wasn''''t abused why does the mother have to have counseling?

This is your first witness against the state of Texas.

Posted by cbscrash07
--------------------
Probably to help her figure out who the kid''s daddy is, as well as acquaint her with the law about polygamy.

[janeyre-2009]

Let''s see, the mother of his child, doesn''t have his last name. Hmmm, so that means she is a singler parent, getting welfare. Well at least they can now, send the father''s a bill for taking care of their many children

[bdrlnt4rl]

Wonder if they''''ll raid the projects and get the teenage pregnant women out of there too!!

Posted by milesbrown49




interesting thought there.

[harrydoghiny]

Surprise, surprise...

[soshljustic]

"the principle for taking the children was purely based on prejudice against their beliefs. That is a violation of due process and equal rights afforded under the Constitution."and nothing is furthest from the truth of the matter. The reason for taking the children into custody was to guarantee they had civil rights as minors in a highly prejudicial religiously intolerant situation. It is indoctrination and abuse to coerce a minor into *** and underage marriage, among other potentious acts in order to enforce the coercian of these minors,therefore the situation and homelife was abusive,belief system aside. Belief system does not justify the breaking of secular law, although many humans have attempted the use and creation of religions for this purpose, and financial gain, and power gain, and authority gain, Iwould stop and scratch myself now but I''m female,oh why the hell not!