US polygamous leader with 20 ‘wives’ faces sentencing for child sexual abuse

The leader of a polygamous sect will be sentenced this week for a years-long scheme involving the sexual abuse of girls as young as nine years old.

The leader of a polygamous sect based in multiple US states will be sentenced this week for a years-long scheme to orchestrate sexual acts involving girls as young as nine years old.

Samuel Bateman, who started an offshoot of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) in Colorado City, Arizona and Hidale, Utah, pleaded guilty in April to kidnapping and conspiring to transport underage girls across state lines.

In pleading guilty, the 48-year-old, who had 20 “wives” including 10 girls under the age of 18, acknowledged taking underage brides, having sexual activity with them and arranging group sex with other adults.

As part of a plea deal, the self-proclaimed prophet faces between 30 and 50 years behind bars, though one of his convictions carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

While none of Bateman’s “marriages” were legally or ceremonially recognised, in his plea agreement he acknowledged that each time he claimed a “wife”, his illicit sexual contact with that woman or girl began.

The FLDS believe that polygamy brings exaltation in heaven.

Samuel Bateman, the leader of a small polygamous group near the Arizona-Utah border. Picture: Coconino County Sheriff's Office via AP, File

A lawyer for one of Bateman’s “wives” said his client, who was raised in the FLDS, was taught that the sexual abuse of children was acceptable, court records show, and was “duped” into marrying Bateman.

Another said she was “given” to Bateman by another male member of the sect when she was 14, and was manipulated into doing things she otherwise wouldn’t do.

“He stripped her of her identity – including her personality, dreams, and ambitions – and she lost her education, self-confidence, and many of her family relationships,” a court document said.

“These young victims will live with the memories and the trauma they suffered at the hands of the defendant and some of his co-defendants for the rest of their lives.”

Bateman was first arrested in August 2022 in Flagstaff, Arizona after police found three girls, aged 11 to 14, in a trailer. He posted bond, but was arrested again that September and charged with destroying records and obstructing justice.

At the time of the second arrest, police removed nine children from Bateman’s Colorado City home and placed them in foster care. Eight of the children escaped from the homes, and were later found in Washington in a vehicle driven by one of Bateman’s adult wives.

Warren Jeffs, who once led FLDS, was convicted in 2011 for charges involving the sexual assault of his underage followers. Picture: AFP Photo/POOL/Douglas C. Pizac

Warren Jeffs, who once led FLDS, was convicted in 2011 for charges involving the sexual assault of his underage followers.

Two brothers also face 10 years to life in prison for their involvement in Bateman’s crimes. The pair were convicted in October of charges including interstate travel to persuade or coerce a child to engage in sexual activity.

Seven of Bateman’s adult “wives” have also been convicted of coercing children into sexual activity and impeding the investigation into Bateman.

The US Attorney’s Office has said the “only appropriate” sentence for Bateman’s crimes “is 50 years’ imprisonment”.

“The defendant’s crimes, along with those of a few key co-defendants in this case, impacted an entire community and tore numerous families apart,” it said in a sentencing memorandum obtained by 12News.

“The defendant caused extreme physical and mental anguish to so many, particularly the 9 named victims. For that, a 50-year prison sentence is not only warranted, but necessary.”