Anderson Cooper 360

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An update on the outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease at the Pittsburgh VA where 5 veterans died after being sickened by the hospital’s water. Watch AC360° at 8 & 10 p.m. ET.
January 29th, 2013
12:17 AM ET

Sheriff: Escape opens door for others

The Sheriff of Mohave County, Arizona vows to help members who want to leave Warren Jeffs' polygamist sect known as the FLDS. Sheriff Tom Sheahan says their department is "helping those that want to get out of that community."

The Sheriff tells Anderson the 'city police department' is nothing but an 'extension of a security service for the church.'  He explains, "when people want to leave that church and get away from that type of living, they try to stop them, they hide them out, and they conspire with the elders in that church to keep this from happening." FULL POST

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Filed under: FLDS • Polygamy • Warren Jeffs
January 28th, 2013
11:53 PM ET

Woman escapes with kids from FLDS

Ruby Jessop recently escaped from a breakaway Mormon sect known as the FLDS. The group openly practices polygamy, and are controlled and ruled by their imprisoned prophet, Warren Jeffs.

Jessop was forced to marry a cousin when she was fourteen years old. She was able to escape along with her six children. Gary Tuchman tells her story.

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Filed under: Anderson Cooper • FLDS • Polygamy • Warren Jeffs
Tonight on AC360: Escape from the FLDS
January 28th, 2013
05:09 PM ET

Tonight on AC360: Escape from the FLDS

We have been coming to the twin towns of Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona for many years covering stories about the thousands of devoted followers of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who live, govern and police the towns. Also known as the FLDS, members of the breakaway Mormon sect openly practice polygamy.

Each time we come here, we are noticed the minute we drive into either town. These are not the kind of towns where outsiders would have a reason or need to stop. There aren't any shops, restaurants or businesses that cater to the outside world. So the minute an outsider does arrive, they are noticed and met with skepticism. Children ride horses and are dressed like everyone else, in traditional FLDS clothing. They are controlled and ruled by their imprisoned prophet, Warren Jeffs. You don’t see children playing with toys or riding bikes. They are usually found working on homes or in fields with their parents. FULL POST

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Filed under: FLDS • Gary Tuchman • Tonight on AC360 • Warren Jeffs
December 27th, 2012
09:47 PM ET

Sources: FLDS preparing for end of world

Authorities are concerned polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs believes the world will end before 2013. The jailed FLDS prophet controls his followers from behind bars, and could be delivering a dangerous doomsday message. CNN's Gary Tuchman reports.

Read more about what law enforcement is monitoring in the FLDS communities.

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Filed under: FLDS • Warren Jeffs