MICHELLE ROBERTS
SAN ANGELO
Texas authorities have taken DNA samples from all the children removed from a polygamist compound more than two weeks ago.
About 500 samples were taken at the San Angelo stadium where authorities have been holding the children. The samples are to help officials sort out family relationships at the compound.
Child Protective Services have sent 114 children to foster facilities, with 300 more to follow today.
A hearing was taking place yesterday for lawyers concerned about how the children will be cared for. A judge signed an order allowing the state to put the children in foster care while the state completes DNA testing.
The parents also gave mouth swabs as they fight to regain custody. Their lawyers said many believed the testing would be used to separate them from their children.
Susan Hays, representing one toddler, said some fathers may have left Texas, fearing the tests would aid prosecutors in bringing criminal cases against them.
Authorities suspect the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints pushed under-age girls into sex and that the children were in danger of being victims or becoming predators.-AP
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