Authorities seize Texas ranch belonging to polygamist group, imprisoned leader Warren Jeffs
ELDORADO, Texas – State agents have seized a polygamous group’s Texas ranch where hundreds of children were removed during a 2008 FBI raid prompted by child sex abuse allegations.
The group’s leader, Warren Jeffs, is serving life in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting two girls he took as child brides.
The Texas Department of Public Safety says its agents took possession of the secluded property near Eldorado on Thursday. In a statement, DPS says authorities were helping the remaining eight adults living on the ranch leave and to do an inventory.
A judge in January ordered the forfeiture of the Yearning For Zion Ranch, which was owned by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The state sought to seize the property over allegations of mismanagement by Jeffs.
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