West Texas sect leader’s trial moved

Yisrayl Hawkins

BAIRD, Texas (AP) – A sect leader’s bigamy trial has been moved from Callahan County to Parker County after his lawyers argued that too many people in his home county are prejudiced against him.
State District Judge John Weeks has ordered the trial of Yisrayl Hawkins moved to Weatherford. The trial for the leader of the House of Yahweh is set to start Nov. 9.

Hawkins has a 44-acre compound in Callahan County. He was charged last year with four counts of promoting bigamy and one count of practicing bigamy, which are second-degree felonies.

Hawkins is accused of having more than 20 wives. He also faces misdemeanor charges of violating child labor laws by forcing children to work at the church property.

Attorneys for Hawkins last month filed the change of venue motion.