FLDS Church and Leaders Sued for $1.9M in Child Labor Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor has filed lawsuits against the Fundamentalist LDS Church and several of its leaders, alleging violations related to child labor. The lawsuits stem from a multi-year investigation into the church’s practices in Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona. The cases accuse top church leaders of removing children from school for weeks during the 2012-13 pecan harvest season to work on farms, without providing compensation.

The legal actions allege that up to 175 children under the age of 13 were among the 1,400 children and adults who worked at the Southern Utah Pecan Ranch in Hurricane. These children performed various agricultural tasks, including pruning trees, mowing fields, and picking pecans, all without pay. The lawsuit claims that the defendants were aware of these practices and continued them during school hours.

One of the lawsuits names FLDS Bishop Lyle Jeffs, member Dale Barlow, and the two operating branches of the church—the Corporation of the President and Corporation of the Presiding Bishop. It seeks back wages for the 1,400 workers, though the exact amount remains unclear due to a lack of records. The administrative action also seeks $1.9 million in penalties for the alleged child labor violations.

Another federal filing accuses Paragon Contractors Corporation, a Hildale construction company that manages pecan groves, and its owner, FLDS member Dan Jessop, of violating a 2007 injunction related to child labor. A stepdaughter of Jessop’s brother claims she began working at the pecan ranch at age 15, shelling pecans for up to 15 hours a day with other young girls. She later worked in a Paragon office, managing sign-in sheets for children working at the ranch. The documents state that the FLDS members were not paid for their labor.

David Weil, administrator of the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, has commented on the case, though the full statement is not included in the source. The lawsuits highlight ongoing concerns about labor practices within the FLDS community, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection of vulnerable individuals. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humble service, themes that resonate with the pursuit of accountability and care for those affected.

Source: Read the original report