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(KSL News) There is new evidence that the U.S. government helped fund the FLDS Church.
NBC News obtained documents that show the Pentagon awarded at least $1.5 million in contracts for aircraft parts and other equipment to two companies owned and operated by top FLDS Church officials.
A lot of the money went to a business owned by top church leader Wendell Nielsen. A 2005 affidavit from Nielsen's own son said Nielsen's company, Western Precision, sent as much as $100,000 a month to the sect.
Private eye Sam Brower has investigated the polygamist sect for five years. "The likelihood that church-run businesses funded the compound in Texas is 100 percent," he said.
Western Precision, which is now named New Era Manufacturing, did not respond to NBC's calls.
The Pentagon says it does not consider a company's religious affiliation in awarding contracts, only cost and performance.
