Dale Barlow
On April 3, 2008, Texas authorities raided the polygamist Yearning For Zion ranch in Eldorado, removing 413 children and a number of adults. The raid was spurred by a 16-year-old girl, who phoned authorities claiming to have been physically abused by Dale Barlow at the compound.1
Fast Facts
- Son of former Colorado City Mayor Dan Barlow
- Was previously sentenced to three years of probation and 45 days in jail
- Pleaded no contest in April 2007 to conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor
- Was a follower of Warren Jeffs, leader of the fundamentalist-polygamist Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Barlow Sought
Barlow was not found at the compound during the raid and a warrant for his arrest was issued. The whereabouts of the 16-year-old girl (whose name was withheld from the press) was never found.
Questions of Identity
Barlow was located in Arizona on April 9 and denied the allegations, claiming that he had not been to Texas since 1977. Authorities said that he is unlikely to be the man sought in the case, as he has been under Arizona Parole Department supervision since August 17, 2007. Attorneys for the religious sect claim that the 16-year-old girl is fictitious, and no person with her reported name resided at the compound.2
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