Samuel Bateman Sentenced for Sex Crimes and Kidnapping

Samuel Bateman, a polygamist religious leader who declared himself a 'prophet,' was sentenced to 50 years in prison for coercing underage girls into sex acts and kidnapping them from protective custody. Bateman, who operated an offshoot of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), claimed over 20 spiritual 'wives,' including 10 underage girls. He pleaded guilty to charges of transporting minors across state lines for sexual purposes and conspiracy to kidnap. The court heard testimonies from victims about the trauma they endured, which the judge described as effectively making them 'sex slaves.' Bateman's sentence reflects the severity of his crimes, with each charge carrying a potential life sentence, although they will be served concurrently. This case highlights the ongoing issues of sexual abuse within extremist religious sects, drawing parallels to previous high-profile convictions within the FLDS.