Polygamous Sect Leader Convicted on State Child Abuse Charges in Arizona
Samuel Bateman, a leader of a polygamous sect already serving a lengthy federal prison sentence, has been found guilty of state child abuse charges after authorities discovered young girls in a poorly ventilated trailer he was transporting through Arizona. The discovery was made in August 2022 when a passerby noticed small fingers poking through the trailer’s gaps, prompting a police intervention.
Inside the trailer, law enforcement officers found three girls aged between 11 and 14, along with rudimentary amenities like a makeshift toilet and camping chairs. This incident adds to Bateman’s federal conviction, where he coerced minors into sexual acts, a story featured in the Netflix series “Trust Me: The False Prophet.”
During the state trial, Bateman testified, claiming he would never harm his “spiritual wives,” a group that included ten minors. Despite acknowledging the girls’ uncomfortable conditions, he downplayed the severity, claiming, “I just trusted myself as a driver.” He expressed shock upon realizing the girls remained inside during the journey.
Prosecutor Eric Ruchensky emphasized to the jury, “It’s common sense that you don’t carry people in a trailer designed for cargo on a hot day with no ventilation.” Despite attempts to keep Bateman’s federal conviction out of the state trial, he inadvertently mentioned it, leading the judge to remove such comments from the record.
The jury took approximately 40 minutes to reach a unanimous verdict, convicting Bateman on all three child abuse counts. Each charge carries a mandatory sentence ranging from four to eight years, with the possibility of either consecutive or concurrent sentencing. The sentencing hearing is slated for August 25.
Bateman, who has been identified as a self-declared prophet, traveled through various states including Arizona and Utah, establishing a faction of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This sect traditionally practices polygamy, although the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints renounced it in 1890.
Previously an associate of Warren Jeffs, currently imprisoned for child sexual assault, Bateman’s influence mirrors that of his former leader. However, the sect’s dominance has diminished in its traditional strongholds, with recent court actions significantly reducing its control over local governance.
For further details on the events leading to Bateman’s arrest, refer to the original report.
