Russians investigating adoptee's death in Texas

Duesler said he could not immediately confirm or deny Russian allegations of abuse. Most U.S. government offices were closed Monday in observance of a federal holiday.

Dolgov also accused the U.S. Department of State of not helping Russian consular officials investigate the death. A State Department official said the government is aware of the case and "takes very seriously the welfare of children, particularly children who have been adopted from other countries."

"We will continue to assist the Russian Embassy and consulate officials in making contact with the appropriate authorities in Texas," said the State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak on the record about the matter.

Crimmins said the Russian consulate had contacted Child Protective Services.

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Associated Press writers Merrill Hartson and Pete Yost in Washington and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report.

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