ROCHESTER, N.H.—A baby girl has been returned to a New Hampshire couple who said she was taken by the state because of the father's involvement in a national group that's against unrestrained federal authority.
The state said Johnathon Irish was accused of hitting the mother, Stephanie Taylor, and abusing her other children. The 8-day-old baby was returned to the Epsom couple Thursday following a Rochester court hearing. The couple was unable to comment because the judge issued a gag order.
Irish denied any abuse and said court paperwork cited his involvement with the Oath Keepers.
The New Hampshire Union Leader reports Irish pleaded guilty in 2003 to criminal threatening after telling a fellow Winnacunnet High School student he was going to "create another Columbine." He received a 12-month suspended sentence.
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Information from: New Hampshire Union Leader, http://www.unionleader.com
