Nearly 140 women from a polygamist sect returned home today as officials moved their kids to a new shelter, the AP reports. The mothers had joined 416 children who were seized by Texas troopers 2 weeks ago and taken to a historic fort. Today officials moved the kids to a sports center in San Angelo, Texas after the women complained of poor living conditions.
Meanwhile a Texas judge talked to lawyers to organize a Thursday hearing about possible child abuse charges against the sect. "It would seem inefficient to have a witness testify 416 times," judge Barbara Walther said. Not to mention the lawyer logjam: More than 350 have offered to represent the kids for free, and the 139 mothers may also hire attorneys to fight for custody. (More child abuse stories.)