Tower at West Texas polygamist ranch demolished

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Warren Jeffs

A new 100-foot concrete tower at a West Texas polygamist ranch formerly led by Warren Jeffs has been torn down.

Schleicher County officials do not know why secretive polygamist members dismantled the seemingly finished structure, the San Angelo Standard-Times reported.

Justice of the Peace James Doyle said Wednesday that an airborne friend noticed rubble at the Yearning For Zion Ranch. Doyle, who's a pilot, then did a flyover July 19 and confirmed the tower was demolished.

Sheriff David Doran said Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints members worked on the tower for the past year.

Officers in 2008 raided the private ranch. Jeffs was convicted of sexual assault of two underage brides and sentenced to life in prison. Ten followers were convicted on child sex and bigamy charges.

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