Children Removed From Polygamist Compound

Fifty-two children were removed from a Texas ranch occupied by followers of a polygamist sect led by imprisoned leader Warren Jeffs, authorities said.

Police sought at least one suspect Saturday after 18 girls were taken into temporary state custody Friday, CNN reported.

Child Protective Services spokeswoman Marleigh Meisner said police and CPS officials arrived Thursday evening at the 1,900-acre YFZ ranch with arrest and search warrants and remained at the throughout Friday.

She said officials were responding to a report of physical abuse and neglect involving a 16-year-old girl at the ranch occupied by followers of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who openly practice polygamy.

Authorities said they are searching for Dale Barlow, a 50-year-old man they suspect of having married and fathered a child with a 16-year-old girl.

Law enforcement officials were reportedly seeking evidence of the marriage and childbirth.