Judge silences parties in cult-compound custody case

SANTA FE (KRQE) - The state went to court today to try to get temporary legal custody of three children removed last week from the compound of a religious cult in northeast New Mexico.

However the judge has issued a gag order, so it's not known what happened.

The children were taken from the Union County compound called Strong City after information surfaced alleging the group's leader, Michael Travesser, inappropriately touched them.

He denied the allegations and claimed the state kidnapped the children.

Travesser claims he is the son of God.

KRQE | Web Producer:  Bill Diven