FLDS Attorneys Meet In San Angelo To Discuss Search
 
By Melissa Correa
CBS 7 News - Odessa, Texas
 
San Angelo, TX- Defense attorneys for the FLDS Polygamist ranch near Eldorado called for a "motion hearing" this afternoon to discuss possibly suspending the search of the YFZ compound.

Tom Green County prosecutors and defense attorneys talked about the investigation in front of a district judge.

The defense attorneys asked that the two state-issued search warrants be pulled and a restraining order be placed on investigators.

Defense attorneys are trying to get their hands on the information seized from several computers and hundreds of boxes of documents over the last six days.

Prosecutors argued, the search warrants cannot be pulled, because, while they have accounted for the computers and documents, they have yet to investigate what they pertain to.

The district judge said she would not make a motion to suspend the search until those documents are sorted through.

The defense and prosecution agreed that a "special mediator" would hold the computers and documents - sealing the hard drives, and would sort through the boxes - separating information relevant to the accusations of sexual abuse, neglect and unauthorized marriages.

During the motion hearing, CBS 7 learned that a federal warrant has been issued, and the FBI is also investigating.

We've also learned that Dale Barlow, the 50 year old man wanted for questioning concerning the 16 year old girl who made the initial complaints... is in Colorado City, Utah.

The defense said that CPS workers in Utah and police have spoken with Barlow... but the arrest warrant issued by a Texas judge has not been carried out.

The Tom Green County judge said, the case may or may not stay in her jurisdiction... it depends on what the federal agents find.

The prosecution said, as of today, there is no criminal or civil case being formed- and couldn't understand why the prosecution would have a pre-trial hearing, when as of now, there is now possible trial.

Defense attorneys and the prosecution will meet again through a "hearing" once all the information has been sorted by the special mediator.
 
CBS7.com
Originally broadcast April 9, 2008
 
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