A leader of a polygamous sect, already serving a 50-year federal prison term for involvement in child sexual abuse, is set to receive sentencing on separate state convictions. Samuel Bateman, aged 50, was found guilty of three counts of child abuse in connection to a traffic stop in Flagstaff in August 2022. During the stop, three girls aged 11 to 14 were discovered in an unventilated trailer equipped with basic amenities but lacking air conditioning and proper safety measures. Authorities were alerted to the situation when someone noticed small hands reaching through gaps in the trailer doors.
Each child abuse count carries a mandatory prison term ranging from four to eight years. The judge will decide whether the sentences will be served consecutively or concurrently. Bateman, who once led a splinter group from the polygamous sect previously headed by Warren Jeffs, is currently serving a lengthy federal sentence for coercing young girls into sexual acts and conspiring to abduct girls from protective custody.
Bateman, who identified himself as a prophet and claimed to have over 20 “spiritual wives,” including minors, admitted that the girls were left in the hot trailer with poor ventilation for an extended period. He represented himself during the trial and argued that he believed the girls had exited the trailer before being stopped by authorities.
Federal authorities revealed that Bateman extensively traveled across several states to establish a network linked to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known for its historical ties to Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah. The sect, which practices polygamy, traces its origins to the early teachings of the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but is now strictly prohibited.
The influence of the polygamous sect in the aforementioned towns has dwindled significantly over the years, leading to court supervision that was only recently lifted. The towns, once under the sect’s control, now have a relatively small sect presence among their populations.
Bateman’s story was featured in the Netflix series “Trust Me: The False Prophet.” If you require immediate assistance or fear for your safety or that of others, please contact 911. For local support services, refer to the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database.