This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
San Angelo, Texas • A new 100-foot concrete tower at a West Texas polygamist ranch has been torn down.
The San Angelo Standard-Times reports Schleicher County officials do not know why secretive polygamist members dismantled the seemingly finished structure.
Justice of the Peace James Doyle said Wednesday that an airborne friend noticed rubble at the Yearning For Zion Ranch. Doyle, who's a pilot, then did a flyover July 19 and confirmed the tower was demolished.
Sheriff David Doran says Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints members worked on the tower for the past year.
Officers in 2008 raided the private ranch. Leader Warren Jeffs was convicted of sexual assault of two underage brides and sentenced to life in prison. Ten followers were convicted on child sex and bigamy charges.