A leader of a polygamous sect, Samuel Bateman, was sentenced to an additional 24 years in prison on state child abuse convictions. This sentence comes on top of his existing 50-year federal prison term for coercing young girls into sexual acts. The state convictions were related to an incident where three girls, aged 11 to 14, were found in an unventilated trailer during a traffic stop in Arizona. The trailer lacked basic amenities like air conditioning and seat belts, prompting concerns about the welfare of the children.

Bateman, who led a splinter group from the polygamous sect once headed by Warren Jeffs, expressed remorse during the sentencing but did not seek leniency. Victims of his abuse spoke out, refuting his claims of innocence and describing the lasting trauma they endured. One victim shared her experience of being sexually exploited by Bateman at a young age, leading to significant psychological distress.

The state judge, Joshua Steinlage, emphasized the severe endangerment the girls faced in the trailer and mandated that Bateman serve the state sentence after completing his federal term. Authorities highlighted the importance of holding Bateman accountable to prevent further harm to children. Bateman’s involvement in polygamy and his association with the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, notably featured in a Netflix series, shed light on the dark reality of exploitation within certain religious communities.