By The Canadian Press

Trial to start for trio in polygamous sect accused of transporting minors

Nov 22, 2016 | 9:36 AM

CRANBROOK, B.C. — The trial for three people with ties to a fundamentalist polygamous sect in southeastern British Columbia begins today.

Brandon Blackmore, Emily Crossfield and James Oler are accused of unlawfully removing a child from Canada with the intention of a sexual purpose.

The 14-day trial will take place in Cranbrook, B.C., not far from the small community of Bountiful, where it’s alleged some residents practice plural marriage.

Blackmore, Crossfield and Oler are each accused of taking a person under the age of 16 into the United States for illegal purposes in 2004.

None of the charges have been proven in court.

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Oler and Winston Blackmore, another leader in the divided community, will later face a separate trial on polygamy charges.

The Canadian Press