The cult's founder Yisrayl Hawkins (he was born Buffalo Bill Hawkins but legally changed his first name, I guess, because it wasn't batshit-crazy enough) is a former Abilene police officer who was fired in 1980 for having beer in his patrol car. He moved his group to rural Clyde, Texas, because they needed more space to celebrate week-long Old Testament feasts. And yes, they practice polygamy or face going to Hell.

House of Yahweh members change their last name to Hawkins and take first names from the Old Testament, but spell them with a sprinkling of 'y's, like their leader. They keep semi-tractor trailers loaded with canned goods in preparation for the end of the world.

And you thought the FLDS Yearning for Zion Ranch was weird.

Texas authorities are looking into charges against the House's leaders for incidents that include sexual abuse, bigamy, welfare fraud, and an unusual death or two.

Callahan County District Attorney Shane Deel says:

If a bunch of adults want to get together and follow some con man and throw their lives away, that's their right in this country. But to me, when you do that to children and they don't have a chance, that's where the biggest concern is.