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	Lubbock Attorney Representing a Leading Member of Polygamist Sect By Logan G. Carver Avalanche-Journal April 25, 2008 http://lubbockonline.com/stories/042508/loc_271940844.shtml A Lubbock defense attorney has lended his services to one of the members of the polygamist sect in Eldorado. Criminal defense lawyer Danny Hurley is representing Merrill Jessop, one of the leaders of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Earlier this month, more than 400 children were taken from the Yearning for Zion Ranch after allegations of physical and sexual abuse surfaced. The raid has garnered national attention. "There are no criminal charges pending right now," Hurley said. "But it is certainly implied and it appears there might be in the future." Hurley has been extremely busy, he said - traveling to Eldorado and spending two or three days per week in the town, about 40 miles south of San Angelo. He said the first priority is to decide what the judge and the state will do about the children, then he can move forward. "We're kinda just sitting on the sidelines right now, waiting to see what happens," Hurley said. Hurley referenced a recently passed law, which he said attacks the polygamists. In 2005, the Texas Senate passed legislation raising the legal age for marriage without a court order to 16, up from 14 years of age. There are many constitutional issues being looked at right now, Hurley said. "We're preparing a number of things to contest the searches," he said. "We're just not sure when those issues will be litigated." To comment on this story: logan.carver@lubbockonline.com, 766-8704, james.gallagher@lubbockonline.com.
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