Polygamous Leader Faces Decades in Prison for Coercing Underage Girls into Sex Acts
A polygamous religious leader, Samuel Bateman, is set to be sentenced on Monday for coercing girls as young as 9 years old to submit to criminal sex acts with him and other adults.
Plea Agreement Calls for 20-50 Years in Prison
Bateman, 48, has pleaded guilty to a yearslong scheme to transport girls across state lines for his sex crimes, and later to kidnap some of them from protective custody. His plea agreement calls for 20 to 50 years in prison, though each conviction carries a possible life sentence.
Competency Evaluation to Determine Sentencing
Before the sentencing, a federal judge will hear from a doctor who evaluated Bateman’s competency. The question could determine whether the sentencing goes forward or Bateman is remanded to state custody for psychiatric treatment until he’s deemed mentally fit to assist in his defense, his attorney Brian Russo said.
Background on the Case
Bateman tried to start an offshoot of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), a polygamous sect that split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after Mormons officially abandoned polygamy in 1890.
The FLDS has a history of alleged sexual abuse of girls who are claimed as spiritual “wives.” Bateman was one of the trusted followers of Warren Jeffs, the former leader of the FLDS, who was convicted of state charges in Texas in 2011 involving sexual assaults of his underage followers.
Crimes and Convictions
Bateman began taking female adults and children from his male followers and proclaiming them to be his “wives,” the plea agreement said. He demanded that his followers confess publicly for any indiscretions and imposed punishments that ranged from public shaming to sexual activity.
Bateman traveled extensively and coerced underage girls into his criminal sexual activity, and recordings of some of his sex crimes were transmitted across state lines via electronic devices.
Arrest and Investigation
Bateman was arrested in August 2022 by state police as he drove through Flagstaff pulling a trailer. Inside the trailer, authorities found a makeshift toilet, a sofa, camping chairs, and three girls, 11 to 14 years old.
He was arrested again, accused of obstructing justice in a federal investigation into whether children were being transported across state lines for his sex crimes. Authorities also took nine children from Bateman’s home in Colorado City into protective custody.
Co-Defendants and Sentencing
Seven of Bateman’s adult “wives” have been convicted of crimes related to coercing children into sexual activity or impeding the investigation into Bateman. Two Colorado City brothers face 10 years to life at their sentencings, on Dec. 16 and Dec. 20, after being convicted in October of charges including interstate travel to persuade or coerce a child to engage in sexual activity.
Conclusion
Bateman’s sentencing marks a significant moment in the fight against sexual abuse and exploitation. The case highlights the importance of holding accountable those who abuse their power and manipulate vulnerable individuals, often under the guise of religious beliefs.
FAQs
Q: What is the FLDS?
A: The FLDS is a polygamous sect that split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after Mormons officially abandoned polygamy in 1890.
Q: What is the significance of this case?
A: The case highlights the importance of holding accountable those who abuse their power and manipulate vulnerable individuals, often under the guise of religious beliefs.
Q: How many years does Bateman face in prison?
A: Bateman faces 20 to 50 years in prison, though each conviction carries a possible life sentence.
Q: How many co-defendants have been convicted?
A: Seven of Bateman’s adult “wives” have been convicted of crimes related to coercing children into sexual activity or impeding the investigation into Bateman.
