Samuel Bateman, the leader of an offshoot polygamous sect near the Arizona-Utah border, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport underage girls across state lines and orchestrating sexual acts with children. He admitted to taking underage brides, engaging in sexual activity with them, and arranging group sex, some involving child brides. His plea agreement recommends a sentence of 20 to 50 years in prison, with a possible maximum of life imprisonment for one of his convictions.
Bateman, who identifies as a self-proclaimed prophet and had more than 20 wives, including 10 girls under 18, aimed to establish an offshoot of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The sect practices polygamy, a legacy of early teachings of the mainstream LDS church, which now strictly prohibits the practice. According to authorities, Bateman created a network spanning multiple states and believed polygamy leads to exaltation in heaven.
The arrest of Bateman in August 2022 by Arizona state police revealed three underage girls between 11 and 14 kept in an enclosed trailer with deplorable conditions. Despite posting bond, he was rearrested the following month on obstruction of justice charges. Authorities had removed nine children from his home in Colorado City, with eight escaping custody with the help of Bateman’s adult wives. The girls were eventually found in Washington state, miles away from the border.
Bateman, accused of giving wives as gifts to male followers, claimed to do so on orders from the “Heavenly Father.” Investigation revealed extensive travel between states and regular sexual activity with minor girls, some of which was recorded and transmitted across state lines. Bateman’s second conviction accomplice, Moroni Johnson, pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport underage girls. Charges also involved his wives and followers, who have pleaded not guilty to related crimes.
The FBI found evidence of Bateman’s manipulative tactics, which included public confessions by followers for their alleged sins and involvement in sexual activity. Authorities described punishments ranging from time-outs to public shaming and coerced sexual acts that Bateman claimed came from the Lord. Johnson was pressured to give up his wives, purchased luxury vehicles as atonement, and two other men bought expensive cars for Bateman as well. Sentencing for Bateman is set for July 15, concluding a disturbing saga of child exploitation and abuse within the polygamous sect.
