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Town Marshal Office Disbanded In FLDS Towns

The Arizona attorney general is asking a federal judge to disband the town marshal’s office in the FLDS towns of Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona. 

In a federal court filing this week, Arizona prosecutors say a former town marshal has provided information that proves the office is influenced by sect leaders and systematically discriminates against nonmembers. 

Former Marshal Helaman Barlow went to authorities after he was put on leave from his position. He has received immunity from prosecutors.

Buster Johnson, a Mohave county supervisor in Arizona, said, "Attorney General Tom Horne is relentless in going after corrupt police departments and adamant in his protection of women and children. I applaud his actions."

If the judge doesn't disband the agencies, Arizona prosecutors are asking for a monitor to oversee daily operations, as well as hiring and firing of officers.

Chris Holmes holds a Masters of Professional Communication degree from Southern Utah University. While at SUU his work received numerous awards including the 2009 King Foundation Best of Festival Award in the National Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts. Chris is co-host of the daily public affairs program, Big Picture Morning Show on radio station KSUB (Cedar City, Utah). He also is a sports and news contributor at Cherry Creek Media. He lives in Cedar City, with wife, Marie and five children.