| "Prophet" Leaves A Trail Of Broken Lives | |
| America's Most Wanted | |
If you ask his followers, Orson William Black is the one true prophet and the leader of a large polygamist community that is similar to those made infamous by Warren Jeffs. But according to the Arizona Attorney General's Office, Orson Black is just a common criminal. Authorities say that Black began proselytizing soon after self-made claims that he had a revelation to practice polygamy. Furthermore, he considers himself an archangel that communicates directly with God. Soon after this "epiphany," Black split from the Colorado City FLDS community and took his new followers with him. Cops say Black would wed time and time again. He was married to his second wife, Tammy, at the age of 17 by Warren Jeffs' father, Rulon. According to authorities, Black not only abused Tammy but tried to marry Tammy's younger siblings who were just 12 years old. His fourth wife, Rose Stubbs Barlow, would also have to watch as Black became involved with her sisters, Beth and Roberta, who were both under the age of 15. Birth records show that Black impregnated these girls when they were as young as 15 years old. Authorities say that as a result of Black's abuse, Roberta is very troubled and has a hard time communicating. Arizona's Child Protective Services was contacted and Black was called in front of a grand jury in 2002. Black's defense? He claimed that he artificially inseminated the girls with a syringe. At the hearing, his second wife, Tammy, said that he beat her with a belt and would often drug her. Authorities later came to believe that Black drugs many of his wives to keep them submissive. Sect Leader Relocates To Escape Prosecution The Arizona Attorney General's Office has not been able to serve Black and considers him a fugitive. The US Marshals know that Black has fled to Chihuahua, Mexico where he has started his own sect with numerous followers. His polygamist community includes many people from the FLDS community in Colorado City who now believe that Orson Black is the true prophet. Authorities tell a different story -- they believe that Black currently has three wives and they are all in danger. US Marshals say he is contacting supporters in the United States via e-mail and phone and that he has followers bringing him food and money. Despite these resources, authorities hope they can bring Black to justice. Wanted For Information valid as of last update. Conspiracy To Commit Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Colorado City, AZ; May 23, 2003 Sexual Conduct With A Minor, Colorado City, AZ; May 23, 2003 Television Airings December 30, 2006 September 02, 2006 May 20, 2006 AMW Radio December 21, 2006 June 08, 2006 | |
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AMW.com Originally published December 30, 2006 | |
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