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Jed Boal ReportijngThe child custody case of a well-known Utah polygamist came to a head with allegations of kidnapping plots, death threats and plans to bomb the courthouse. We heard state's evidence of sinister schemes that rise to the level of mob activity. A daughter of John Daniel Kingston and Heidi Mattingly told the judge the Kingstons were plotting to get their kids back with force if necessary.
John Daniel Kingston almost spent the night in jail. Instead, the judge told bailiffs to escort him out of the courthouse. All the culmination of an emergency hearing that further restricted the parental rights of Kingston and his wife Heidi Mattingly. They lost custody of 10 of their 11 children amid charges of child abuse and neglect.
Heidi Mattingly, Mother: ”My plan has always been to get my children home where they belong, with their family, with me where they will be safe.”
Their eldest daughter testified members of the family have planned to kidnap the kids at school or from their foster families, wearing masks and using guns if necessary. In another scenario the daughter is to commit suicide in order for the parents to justify getting their kids back. And she said there was discussion of blowing up the courthouse.
As the hearing began inside, deputies tightened security outside. Kingston says he's concerned for his daughter's safety. Mattingly said there were no plots.
Heidi Mattingly, Mother: “The state has falsely insinuated that I intend to enforce that plan with force if necessary. What I have done is comply with all of the court orders.”
Two foster parents caring for some of the children also testified they've been followed by members of the Kingston clan, had their homes broken into, and received death threats as told by the children.
The judge ordered all Kingstons to stay away from the kids, cut off visitation for Heidi Mattingly, and put law enforcement on notice about the threats.
After the hearing when the judge left, Kingston knelt next to Mattingly and talked to her. They're not allowed to have contact, that's why the judge sent him out of the building.
