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New Charges Filed Against 5 Adults From New Mexico Compound

Authorities raided a rural compound in New Mexico in early August and found 11 malnourished children, firearms and ammunition.
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Five adults previously arrested on multiple counts of child abuse are now facing federal firearms charges.

Both sets of charges link back to a compound in rural New Mexico, near the border with Colorado.

Authorities raided that site Aug. 3 and found 11 severely malnourished children, multiple firearms and lots of ammunition.

Each adult was charged with 11 counts of child abuse. But earlier this week, judges dismissed those charges because prosecutors didn't hold a preliminary hearing within 10 days, as the state's law requires.

Three of the suspects were released, but two were kept behind bars because they faced additional charges for their alleged role in the death of a 3-year-old boy.

With the new firearms charges filed, all five are back in custody. Prosecutors say they plan to refile the child abuse charges. 

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN