Polygamist leader faces sentencing for crimes against children

A self-proclaimed polygamous “prophet” accused of forming sexual relationships with ten underage “wives” is due to face sentencing on Monday.

Religious sect leader Samuel Bateman, 48, started an offshoot of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and used his role to coerce girls as young as nine to commit sex acts with him and other adults.

Bateman has pleaded guilty to charges of transporting minors across state lines for sexual purposes and conspiring to kidnap children from protective custody.

His plea agreement recommends a sentence of 20 to 50 years in prison, though each charge carries a potential life sentence.

Polygamist Leader Built Network Across States

Bateman, once a trusted follower of the original FDLS, declared himself a prophet in 2019.

Authorities say Bateman sought to establish a new sect in Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah, communities historically tied to the FLDS.

He was said to have more than 20 “wives” from 2019 onwards.

“None of these marriages were legally or ceremonially recognized,” his plea agreement states. Bateman acknowledged that each spiritual “marriage” marked the start of illicit sexual activity with the individual.

Federal prosecutors revealed that Bateman coerced his followers into surrendering their wives and daughters to him as acts of atonement for perceived sins.

He also imposed punishments that included forced sexual acts and public shaming.

Evidence also shows the use electronic devices to transmit recordings of Bateman’s sex crimes, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona said.

How Were Samuel Bateman’s Crimes Discovered?

In Aug. 2022, Bateman was arrested in Flagstaff, Arizona, after a witness reported seeing children’s fingers reaching through the slats of a trailer door.

Inside, authorities found three girls, aged 11 to 14, living in unventilated conditions with a makeshift toilet and sparse furniture.

After posting bond, Bateman was rearrested on charges of obstructing the investigation.

Nine children were removed from his home in Colorado City and placed in foster care, but eight escaped and were found in Washington state in a vehicle driven by one of Bateman’s adult “wives.” Prosecutors said Bateman coordinated the escape.

Seven adult women in Bateman’s group have been convicted of crimes ranging from coercing minors into sexual acts to aiding in the kidnapping of children.

Court records reveal that some of Bateman’s followers were raised in a cult-like environment that normalized sexual abuse.

One attorney said his client was manipulated into “marrying” Bateman and felt powerless to refuse. Another attorney described a woman who was “given” to Bateman by her father, as if she were property.

Historic Sex Abuse in the FLDS

The FLDS broke from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after Mormons renounced polygamy in 1890. The group has faced ongoing allegations of systemic sexual abuse of girls dating back to leader Warren Jeffs, who is serving life in prison for numerous child sex abuse convictions.

Jeffs fathered more than 60 children from 78 spouses. He is said to have attempted to take his own life in prison in 2007, and had a mental breakdown in 2019, leaving him unfit to give deposition in that year’s sex abuse case against him.

Notably, Bateman’s sentencing hinges on his mental competency, which a federal judge is evaluating based on a doctor’s assessment.

If Bateman is deemed unfit to assist in his defense, the proceedings may be delayed for psychiatric treatment, according to his attorney, Brian Russo.

Federal prosecutors are seeking restitution of up to $1 million per victim and the forfeiture of Bateman’s assets as part of his sentencing.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press

In the US, call or text the Childhelp abuse hotline at 800-422-4453 or visit their website for more resources and to report child abuse or DM for help. For adult survivors of child abuse, help is available at ascasupport.org.