Samuel Bateman sentenced to 24 years for child abuse in Arizona

Samuel Bateman, a 50-year-old polygamous sect leader, has been sentenced to an additional 24 years in prison following state child abuse convictions in Arizona. This sentence will be served consecutively after Bateman completes a 50-year federal sentence for orchestrating sexual abuse involving children and plotting to kidnap minors from protective custody.

The state charges stem from an August 2022 traffic stop in Flagstaff, where authorities discovered three girls, aged 11 to 14, inside an unventilated trailer being towed by Bateman. The trailer lacked air conditioning and seat belts but contained a sofa, camping chairs, and a makeshift toilet. The discovery was made after a member of the public noticed small fingers reaching through gaps in the trailer doors.

During the sentencing hearing, Bateman, who represented himself, stated, “I love these dear people with all my heart, and I had no intention in the entire world to harm them.” However, victims urged Judge Joshua Steinlage to reject these claims, with one victim describing the profound psychological impact of his actions. Bateman’s group was an offshoot of the polygamous sect formerly led by Warren Jeffs.