A leader of a polygamous sect, already imprisoned for federal offenses, faced conviction on state charges of child abuse after a disturbing discovery in Arizona. In August 2022, authorities were alerted when fingers were seen protruding through gaps in a trailer door. Upon stopping Samuel Bateman’s vehicle in Flagstaff, police found three young girls, aged 11 to 14, in an enclosed trailer outfitted with makeshift accommodations.
Bateman’s federal conviction involved coercing minors, as young as 9, into sexual activities and plotting to abduct girls from protective custody. His actions have drawn attention, even becoming the subject of a Netflix series titled “Trust Me: The False Prophet.” At one point, Bateman claimed to have over 20 “spiritual wives,” with ten being minors. During his trial, Bateman insisted he would never harm those he loved, albeit admitting the trailer’s poor conditions.
“I just trusted myself as a driver,” Bateman stated, emphasizing his belief in divine protection for their journeys. He contended that he was unaware the girls remained inside during transit, expressing surprise upon realizing their presence when stopped.
Prosecutor Eric Ruchensky highlighted the negligence, arguing, “It’s common sense that you don’t carry people in a trailer designed for cargo on a hot day with no ventilation.” Despite Bateman’s attempts to represent himself, resulting in mentioning his federal conviction, jurors reached a swift verdict, finding him guilty on three counts of child abuse. Each charge carries a four to eight-year mandatory sentence, with the possibility of consecutive or concurrent terms. Sentencing is set for August 25.
The Associated Press attempted to contact Bateman’s advisory counsel for comment. Bateman, a self-proclaimed prophet, traveled widely across several states, establishing a network linked to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This church, historically based in Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah, originally endorsed polygamy before the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints renounced it in 1890.
Bateman was closely associated with Warren Jeffs, a former sect leader serving a life sentence in Texas for child sexual assault. The sect’s influence in its traditional strongholds has significantly diminished, especially after a 2017 court order restructured local governance, removing church influence. Eventually, the towns were released from judicial oversight, as the sect now represents a minor faction of the local population.
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