Sheriff defends wait before raid on polygamous sect in Eldorado

[LanternWaste]

Source: Fort Worth Star telegram

Doran defended his decision to wait four years to enter the compound, saying he had plenty of suspicion but no evidence of wrongdoing.

"We are aware that this group is capable" of sexually abusing young girls, Doran said. But "this is the United States. We are going to respect them. We are not going to violate their civil rights until we get an outcry. I've said that from Day One."

snip

Helping him learn the way of this sect was a confidential informant he began talking with about four years ago. Doran wouldn't specify where the person lived. But an affidavit released Wednesday said the person was a former member of the sect.

snip

The 16-year-old girl had accused Dale Barlow, 50, of beating her and getting her pregnant. He hasn't been arrested in Arizona, where he lives, but Doran said he remains a suspect.

Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/575667.html

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I had read some posts on earlier threads about the sect questioning why it took the authorities so long to act. I read this in my local paper this morning and thought it may be of interest...

[Ian David]

1. They didn't want to risk giving Bush his own Waco disaster before an election...

... and then they didn't want to draw attention to Mormonism during Mitt Romney's campaign.

[High Plains]

2. Right. The sheriff in San Angelo is part of the right-wing conspiracy.

Sheesh.

[murielm99]

3. I can understand their caution.

What if they conducted this raid, and everyone had to be released due to lack of evidence or proper procedure? And we do not need another Waco, no matter who is President.

This group has power, money and guns. I am glad the sheriff was cautious.

[PSPS]

4. I don't buy it.

Cops are supposed to operate "without fear or favor." Just because a criminal group "has power, money and guns" doesn't give them a pass on sexing up the little girls "for god," does it?

I suspect this cult has sympathizers in local law enforcement.

As I recall, that's why Warren Jeffs (now incarcerated) was left alone for so long before he was arrested. They "couldn't find" him because the local sheriff (in Arizona or Nevada -- can't remember) was either a member of the "church" or a sympathizer.

[Dr. Strange]

5. Comparatively speaking...

do you think the outcome here was better or worse than Waco?