Stolen Innocence (60 page)

The experience of being on the scene proved extremely emotional for me. At points, I found it incredibly difficult to be reminded of how conditioned the people—especially the women—were. Even with our help, the questioning proved extremely difficult for the investigators. Some women refused to speak altogether, and those who did comply provided fake names and declined to give concrete answers to the questions asked of them. I had the perspective to understand that the authorities were there to provide assistance and investigate and protect the innocence of young women and children, but the people, locked in the church’s grasp, were devastated by what was happening to them. Once, long ago, I would have felt the same way. I observed one young mother in particular with a baby in her arms and a small boy holding on to her finger as she made her way past the phalanx of uniformed Rangers toward the awaiting buses. She walked with her head held high and a silent tear cutting down the side of her cheek. As she reached the bus, she turned and looked one of the officers directly in the eye, saying, “I want you to know I truly forgive you for this.” Within that simple statement, I could see the difficult road ahead. These poignant words made it apparent that she, like many of the women, felt victimized by the police and the Texas government. She was unable to see that the few men in charge of the FLDS had placed these girls in harm’s way and made matters worse by refusing to cooperate with authorities.

Beneath these hardships, however, I was able to witness firsthand the outpouring of kindness, respect, and dignity given to the FLDS people involved in Texas’s investigation. From Texas law enforcement to Child Protective Services, and every other department involved, each made an incredible effort to reach out and understand the people of the FLDS, their culture, and how they could best approach them and communicate with them. It was clear that this investigation was not about religion. It was about child abuse, sanctioned and directed by the FLDS men in authority.

As hard as it has been to watch the events of Eldorado unfold, they prove that there are still so many young girls and women who don’t yet realize that they, too, have the right to cry out against injustice. I hope this book reaches the many young girls and women around the world whose faces I’ll never see and whose names I’ll never know, and that perhaps in some way my words will help them to use their strength to reclaim what is rightfully theirs—the power of choice.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

This is my story. The events described are based upon my recollections and are true. I have changed the names of some individuals to protect their privacy.

In this book, I have used the terms “FLDS” or “priesthood” to describe the religious system in which I was raised. I have also made brief mention of “The Work”—later more commonly known as the FLDS Church, as well as the UEP—the trust through which the priesthood owns and controls all the property and homes of the FLDS people. I have usually combined The Work, the FLDS, and the UEP into the terms “FLDS” or “priesthood” for simplicity, but also because they are one and the same—inseparable parts.

After I began working with law enforcement, I brought a lawsuit against the FLDS system, naming as defendants Warren Jeffs, the FLDS Church, and the UEP Trust. In conjunction with that case, I have set up a fund, the MJ Fund, to provide girls and women with options that I did not have and help them start lives for themselves. It is my intention to use proceeds from that lawsuit, a portion of my profits from this book, and donations to start and operate the MJ Fund. There are so many people that need help, and it is my hope that I will be able to provide the necessary services that these people will need to get their lives back.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This has been a long and difficult journey for me and I have been blessed with the support, friendship, and love of so many wonderful people.

To Lisa Pulitzer, whose dedication to learning my past inside and out and helping me to get it down on paper will never be forgotten. Your visits to Utah and our long speakerphone conversations were always a breath of fresh air and a source of comfort as I explored many painful memories. Our friendship has impacted me profoundly and I will always admire your talent, drive, and caring manner. And thank you to Lisa’s husband, Douglas Love, who supported us and entertained their two daughters, Francesca and Juliet, so Lisa and I could work. And to Jenny Studenroth, whose role as editorial assistant helped us to stay on track and sunny voice kept me encouraged.

To Matt Harper, my editor at HarperCollins, thank you for your tireless work and effort and for finding the humor when things went awry. I cannot even imagine how many late nights you suffered, and your skill has enhanced and shaped this book in a way I never could have anticipated. And to Lisa Sharkey at HarperCollins for realizing I had a story to tell and for helping to make it happen. Much appreciation and gratitude to our meticulous copyeditor, Margaret Wimberger, and the many others at HarperCollins whose hard work and dedication under these incredible deadline pressures shone through.

My father and three mothers, especially my biological mother—I appreciate your love every day. Mom and Dad—no matter what has happened in the past and what faces us in the future, you will always be dear to my heart. My love for you transcends everything else between us. Thank you for instilling in me my strength to know what’s right. To my little sisters Sherrie and Ally, thank you for being there for me through the most difficult time of my life, and for helping me to stay strong. Mother, Sherrie, and Ally, please know that I will always be here for you, and my love and devotion will remain forever bright.

Thank you to my eleven brothers and twelve sisters, all of whom I love deeply. I pray for you all and will never give up on any of you, especially those of you who have been there for me in this very difficult time. While our past has not always been rosy, I take great comfort in knowing that despite any distance, we’ve done it together. To Mother Audrey, you know who you are, thank you for not abandoning me, and for continuing to love me as one of your children.

To Lamont, you are indeed my guardian angel. Without you by my side, I would not be who I am today. Your love, understanding, patience, and willingness to listen and share my tears are only a few of the reasons why I hold you so dear. It is with certainty that I say that God sent you to rescue and strengthen me so that I may do this important work. The road has and always will be fraught with hurdles, and even when the horizon may look bleak, we have the greatest gift of all and that is one another and our beautiful family.

Lamont and I could not have survived without the support from our many incredible friends. Merintha and Melvin, you are such dear friends and have been so helpful and caring. Merintha, you were my first friend outside of the FLDS, and you have remained by my side all along, without judgment. Thank you for loving my children as if they were your own. Knowing Lamont and I could count on you to take care of our family throughout this incredible journey made what had to be done that much easier.

We extend our deep gratitude to Dan and Lennie Fischer; thank you for everything you have done to help this effort. We could never have done it without you. You have helped hundreds and we all owe our greatest thanks. To Shem and Lisa Fischer and family, we appreciate and love you more than you know.

Thanks also to our other friends Diane and Jack McSandle, author John Krakauer, Kirby Bistline, David and Cammy Southam, Jethro Barlow, Jerry and Leanne Denman, Roseanne and Les Young, Jane Blackmore, Steven and Dorothy Sheffield, John Morley Black, T.R. and Lacey Dockstader, Hyram and Melinda Dockstader, and so many others.

For all the women who have touched my life in so many ways, Natalee Dutson, Joanna Dutson, Sarah Duston Musser, Lori Barlow, Ashlee Bistline, Shirley Draper, Becka Jessop, Lorraine Fischer, Margaret Fischer, Adrianne Quinton, Meg Wight, Kathy Jessop, Martha Barlow, Jenny Steed, and Leah Dockstader, and to those stepsisters of mine who were kind and caring, I love you all dearly.

A special thank-you to Buzz and Anne Woods for enabling us to get where we are today and helping us to stand on our own. Gratitude to Dr. Steven and Yasmin Miller, Robert and Alex Campbell, Kent Nelson, Doug and Linda Moore, Lester and Janet Perry, Troy Evans, Doug Hunt, Maureen Crump of Utah Safe Passages, Peggy Powell, Dr. Ralph Bradley, Dr. Derek Muse, and the Diversity Foundation and Utah State Attorney General’s Office for their dedication to this cause.

To Roger Hoole—there are not enough words to express how grateful I am. You have been more than an attorney to me; you have become a dear friend. You and Sharon have helped me so much, and I will be forever grateful. To Roger’s law partner and brother Greg and his wife, Kelly Hoole, thank your friendship, hard work, and support. To both Roger and Greg and your families, thank you for believing in us, and for sacrificing so much of your time to this cause. To legal assistant Shellie Manzanares, you have been a quiet soldier, and private investigator Sam Brower, thank you for your many efforts and encouragement.

Heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated members of the Washington County Attorney’s Office, Ryan Shaum, Bryan Felter, Roger, and all the many others who gave their time and hard work to this case. You were all amazing and so utterly impacting on me. A special thank-you to Brock and Shaunty Belnap—you encouraged me to come forward and you always believed in me. To Jerry Jaeger, for your extensive investigation and for helping us to survive the many trials and tribulations of the witness protection program. You and so many others were there to guide and protect us, and we are forever grateful. Thank you to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office: Kirk Smith, Jake Schultz and all the deputies who helped investigate and keep us safe.

To Sheriff David Doran of Schleicher County for his untiring efforts to understand the FLDS people. To Capt. Barry Caver, Sgt. L. Brooks Long, and all the Texas Rangers for taking time to listen and learn about the FLDS.

To the Mojave County Attorney’s Office, and Gary Engels, you have forged the path for these cases, and so many people owe you their gratitude. Matt Smith, your efforts do not go unnoticed. To everyone else who worked hard to help me, you are appreciated.

And to all of you who have been there and touched our lives in some way, no matter how small, your kindness and efforts have not gone unnoticed. Your hard work and dedication in this case will surely change the destiny of so many girls and young women that you may never know.

Most important, I thank my loving children, who give me a reason to look forward to each new day with happiness and anticipation. It is my hope that you will someday understand why I needed to write this book. As your mother, I will strive to be an example in your lives and show you the difference between right and wrong. I hope I’ve shown you to stand up for your beliefs and defend your rights.

About the Authors

E
LISSA
W
ALL
is a former member of the FLDS church who was forced into marriage at age fourteen. She left the FLDS at age eighteen and she currently resides with her two children and her husband, Lamont.

L
ISA
P
ULITZER
is a freelance writer. She lives on Long Island, New York.

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Credits

Jacket design by Rick Pracher

Jacket photographs: Elissa Wall, courtesy of the author; Warren Jeffs, by Steve Marcus/Corbis

Photograph insert credits:

Photos 1–14, 18, 20–34, 38–39 courtesy of the author; 15–17 by Douglas Love; 19 by Sam Brower; 35, AP Photo/Stuart Johnson, Pool; 36, AP Photo/Jud Burkett, Pool; 37, AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac.

Copyright

STOLEN INNOCENCE
. Copyright © 2008 by Elissa Wall. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins e-books.

Mobipocket Reader April 2008 ISBN 978-0-06-168682-5

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