In a case that has garnered significant attention, Samuel Bateman, the leader of a polygamist sect in Arizona, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for his involvement in an interstate child sexual abuse ring. Bateman, who once followed Warren Jeffs, presented himself as the new prophet of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—an offshoot of the mainstream church that abandoned polygamy in 1890.
At 48 years old, Bateman was accused of coercing and transporting minors across state lines for sexual activity, as well as orchestrating a scheme to abduct children from protective custody. The sentencing pronounced on Monday reflected the severity of his crimes, largely stemming from his influence over his followers, whom he led to believe that such acts would lead to exaltation in heaven. Fox 10 Phoenix reported that, Bateman coerced girls as young as 9 into unlawful sexual activities and, at one point, held girls in a parsely ventilated trailer when he was apprehended by authorities.
The impact of Bateman’s manipulations was felt widely across his community, with many of his victims expressing the profound and sustained trauma they suffered. The ordeal came to a head during Bateman's sentencing, when three teenage girls, now living in foster care, courageously recounted their struggles before the court. In a direct statement to the convict, U.S. District Court Judge Susan Brnovich stated, "You took them from their homes, from their families and made them into sex slaves," according to the same report by Fox 10 Phoenix. The sentences, 50 years for each count to be served concurrently, ensure that Bateman, nearing 49, will likely spend the remainder of his life in prison.
Not only did Bateman admit to the charges against him, but he also saw several of his adult "wives" convicted for aiding and abetting his criminal activities. The fallout of Bateman's cult-like control over his followers resulted in grievous harm to the victims, who recounted how Bateman destroyed their identities and their capacity to pursue a normal life. One victim lamented losing her "personality, dreams, and ambitions," as well as her education and self-confidence. The New York Times detailed that Mr. Bateman's victims suffered far-reaching consequences, from loss of self to severed family relationships.
Federal prosecutors emphasized that Bateman's punishment was crucial for justice and preventing future abuses. His defense argued for a lighter sentence, claiming his actions were caused by delusional psychiatric conditions.
