Charges Dismissed Against Polygamist

Associated Press/October 31, 2006

Felony charges against one of eight Colorado City polygamists charged with sexual conduct with underage girls have been dismissed.

Terry Darger Barlow was charged with one count of sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor. His trial was supposed to begin November 14, 2006.

Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith dismissed the charges against Barlow yesterday. In a statement, Smith's office says that's because defense attorney Bruce Griffen could prove that Barlow and the victim were not living in Arizona at the time of the alleged crimes.

Barlow is one of eight men from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints being prosecuted for sex crimes.

So far, two men have been convicted and one man was acquitted.