Overview

• Samuel Bateman, 48, was sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to transporting minors for sexual activity and conspiracy to kidnap children from foster care.
• Bateman led a splinter group of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), claiming more than 20 spiritual 'wives,' including 10 underage girls.
• He coerced followers to surrender their wives and daughters, imposed punishments, and engaged in criminal sexual acts with minors, often recording and transmitting the crimes across state lines.
• The case involved multiple co-defendants, including seven women who were convicted of facilitating Bateman’s crimes or obstructing the investigation.
• Victims, now living with foster families, described lasting trauma in court, while the plea agreement includes up to $1 million in restitution per victim and asset forfeiture.