COLORADO CITY, Ariz. — David Doran, the sheriff of Schleicher County, Texas, said his visit to the twin polygamist towns of Colorado City, Ariz., and Hilldale, Utah, on Monday helped him gain a better understanding of his county's newest residents.
"It helped separate the news hype from the reality of what's really going on," said the two-term sheriff, whose seat is up for re-election in November. "My intention in coming here is just to listen and learn."
His county is getting a planned polygamous retreat called Yearn For Zion, or the YFZ Ranch. The 1,600 acres of scrub oak and rocky soil will eventually be home to about 200 of the most faithful members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, according to a church spokesman.
The FLDS Church teaches that plural marriage is a central doctrine essential to one's salvation, and its members adhere to a strict moral code.
To date, construction at the YFZ Ranch includes several finished three-story buildings with two more large structures nearing completion.
Doran and his chief deputy, George Arispe, admit they have a steep learning curve when it comes to understanding the FLDS plural lifestyle.
"This is all new to us," the sheriff told Colorado City Marshal Sam Roundy during Monday's tour of the two towns. "We didn't know anything about polygamy until you guys showed up in Texas."
When David Allred purchased the property on behalf of the FLDS Church, he said the land and buildings under construction there were for a corporate hunting retreat. That story turned out to be false; a fabrication that Doran said was unnecessary.
"I don't think they did themselves any favors" by saying that, he said, adding there are at least 13 churches in Schleicher County of various denominations. "I suppose we have 14 denominations now."
Roundy provided a tour of the two towns for Doran and Arispe, who asked him numerous questions. They were curious about the FLDS Church and its private schools, law enforcement relationships with surrounding counties, arranged marriages and women's rights, potential problems with youths, medical needs of the FLDS and their large families, relationships with the media and others, community work projects, the infant cemetery and the identities of those who might move to the YFZ Ranch.
"I think the ranch, which is really like a retreat, will be used for people to get away and unwind," Roundy said. "I think people will probably come and go. One thing I can promise you is that the people there are honest, hardworking, good people."
The FLDS Church, led by 48-year-old Warren Jeffs, owns much of the land in the two towns, and nearly all of the 6,000 residents belong to the polygamous faith. Jeffs has been under increasing scrutiny by Utah and Arizona authorities who want to question him about underage marriages he allegedly performed or is a participant in.
Doran's visit comes on the heels of a visit to Schleicher County by Washington County, Utah, Sheriff Kirk Smith earlier this month. Today, Doran and Arispe will meet with Smith, Mohave County, Ariz., Sheriff Tom Sheahan, Roundy and other local authorities. A helicopter ride above the two communities is on the agenda.
E-mail: nperkins@infowest.com