A leader of a polygamous sect, Samuel Bateman, has been sentenced to an additional 24 years in prison on state convictions for child abuse in Arizona. This is in addition to his existing 50-year federal prison term for his involvement in sexual acts with children. The state charges stemmed from a 2022 incident where three girls, aged 11 to 14, were found in an unventilated trailer during a traffic stop in Flagstaff.
Bateman, who led a small group linked to a polygamous sect previously led by Warren Jeffs, was convicted of three counts of child abuse related to the unsafe conditions in the trailer. The judge highlighted the extreme danger faced by the girls and ordered Bateman to serve the state sentence after completing his federal term.
During the sentencing hearing, Bateman expressed love for his followers but did not seek leniency. Victims of his abuse spoke out, describing the lasting psychological harm they endured. One victim shared her experience of being sexually exploited by Bateman when she was 12, leading to long-term trauma.
Bateman, who claimed to have multiple “spiritual wives,” including minors, admitted knowing the girls were in distress but downplayed the severity of the situation. County Attorney Ammon Barker emphasized the importance of holding Bateman accountable and preventing further harm to children.
Bateman’s activities spanned several states, where he established a network associated with the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known for its history of polygamy. His close ties to Warren Jeffs, currently serving a life sentence for child sexual assault, underscore the dark legacy of their sect.
The impact of the polygamous sect has diminished over time in its traditional strongholds, with legal interventions separating the church from local governance. Despite these changes, the scars left by leaders like Bateman continue to affect survivors. The Netflix series “Trust Me: The False Prophet” shed light on Bateman’s controversial leadership.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. For support and resources related to sexual violence, you can access the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database.