In a shocking case from Phoenix, Arizona, a polygamist leader named Samuel Bateman is facing serious consequences for his actions. Bateman, who claimed to have more than 20 spiritual “wives,” including 10 girls who were underage, has pleaded guilty to some very disturbing crimes. He coerced girls as young as 9 years old into sexual acts with him and other adults, and he transported these girls across state lines for these illegal activities.
Bateman, 48, was part of a small group that broke away from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a sect known for its controversial practices. He declared himself a “prophet,” much like Warren Jeffs, the notorious leader of the FLDS who was convicted of similar crimes. Bateman’s actions have drawn attention to the ongoing issues of abuse within these polygamist communities.
As he awaits sentencing, which could range from 20 to 50 years in prison, a federal judge will first hear from a doctor who evaluated Bateman’s mental competency. This evaluation could determine whether he will be sentenced now or sent for psychiatric treatment until he is deemed fit to stand trial.
The authorities have painted a grim picture of Bateman’s operations. He not only took girls from his followers, claiming them as his wives, but he also imposed harsh punishments on those who disobeyed him. His followers were made to confess their wrongdoings publicly, and some were coerced into giving up their own wives and daughters to him.
In August 2022, Bateman was arrested after police discovered three girls aged 11 to 14 locked inside a trailer he was towing. The trailer was poorly equipped for living, with no ventilation and a makeshift toilet. After posting bond, he was arrested again for obstructing justice in a federal investigation into his activities.
The case has also led to the arrest of several of Bateman’s adult “wives,” who have been convicted of crimes related to the abuse of children and hindering the investigation. Some of these women admitted to participating in the abuse and even helped in kidnapping children from foster care.
As the legal proceedings continue, the impact of Bateman’s actions on the lives of these young girls and their families is profound. The community is left grappling with the fallout from this disturbing case, highlighting the need for vigilance against such abuses in the name of religion.
