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Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

First and Fourth Amendment rights violations

 

Gerry Goldstein served as lead counsel for the defense of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints after police raided the church’s compound in Eldorado in April 2008. Goldstein challenged the probable cause given by prosecution to conduct the raid and the way the evidence was obtained. He also argued that FLDS members had a constitutional right to privacy and to practice their religion.

Yearning for Zion Ranch, the FLDS 1,700 acre compound was raided after Child Protective Services received a call from a church member alleging that abuse and sexual abuse were taking place on the ranch. The raid resulted in one of the largest child welfare cases in Texas history.

 

• https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/news/2018/04/18/timeline-before-and-after-2008-raid-flds-yearning-zion-ranch/472279002/ Go San Angelo, April 18, 2018.

• https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/11/us/10cnd-raid.html The New York Times, April 11, 2008.

• https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Arguments-start-in-trial-tied-to-FLDS-raid-857927.php My San Antonio, October 28, 2009.