Family fights FLDS for utilities
 
The Associated Press
KVOA Channel 4 - Tucson
 
SALT LAKE CITY A Colorado City, Ariz., family feuding with the leaders of a fundamentalist polygamous sect had their electricity and water service shut off yesterday after the Hildale City Council dubbed them "squatters."

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints owns most of the land in Colorado City and Hildale, Utah, and considers followers who build and live there tenants-at-will.

Ross and Lori Chatwin were excommunicated from the church, but had won a court fight to stay in their home.

But utilities for the house were in Ross Chatwin's brother's name and the two Chatwin families lived together until three weeks ago.

That's when Steven Chatwin, an active member of the church, moved away.

Since then Ross Chatwin has fought to keep the lights on and the water running.

Yesterday, city leaders said the Chatwins were squatters shut off the services.

The shut-off only lasted an hour. Utilities workers restored the service after the Hildale City Council consulted with their attorney.
 
KVOA.com
Originally broadcast April 24, 2005
 
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