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FLDS: The story so far
This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

* A temple rises: In November 2003, the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints purchases property for its 1,691-acre YFZ Ranch outside Eldorado, Texas. A limestone temple and homes are built.

* The raid begins: Authorities enter the ranch April 3, 2008, with arrest and search warrants based on a March 31 call from 16-year-old girl who claimed she had been abused by a 50-year-old man.

* Breaching the temple: Authorities use a hydraulic tool to pry open the door of the massive limestone temple inside the FLDS compound. Officials act on a search warrant granted by a judge after a confidential source claims adult men were having sex with underage brides in the temple.

* Children removed: Officials take 419 children off the ranch, accompanied by 133 women. About 50-60 men are left on the compound. Texas takes legal custody of the children. A hearing on their status is scheduled for Thursday.

* The missing girl: Officials also say they do not know whether the 16-year-old girl who called for help is among the children they removed.

* In the courtroom A state judge rules that three members of the FLDS have the right to challenge the legality of the search of the compound.

* The wanted man: Texas Rangers meet with the man named in the arrest warrant, Dale Barlow, of Colorado City, Ariz., but do not arrest him. His lawyer says authorities suspect the wrong man.

* Utah's top lawyer: Attorney General Mark Shurtleff says Texas officials appear to be preparing to make a case that polygamy is inherently an abusive situation for children, something Utah and Arizona authorities have never concluded.

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