John Clarke and Nexter Media Wire
2 months ago
Photo: Coconino County Sheriff’s Office
Flagstaff, Arizona (WTVO) — The man accused of being a polygamous cult leader in Arizona had 20 wives, including an underage girl and possibly his own daughter, according to the FBI.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued an affidavit indicting Samuel Rappery Bateman, 46, for engaging in illicit sexual activity with minors between Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Nebraska. It was filed in federal court on Friday.
He has not been charged with sexual abuse, according to. salt lake tribune, but was arrested on charges of child abuse. He has been in prison since his arrest.
Bateman pleaded not guilty in September, falsification of evidence After he was stopped on the highway and tried to destroy the records, police found a young girl in a sealed trailer.
according to KSAZ, authorities found three girls aged 11 to 14 inside an unventilated trailer. The trailer also included a makeshift toilet, sofa, and camping chair.
Law enforcement said Bateman, a former member of the fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), was part of a small group that practiced polygamy, even though it is illegal in the United States. rice field
The Mormon Church condemns FLDS and claims that polygamy is grounds for excommunication from the faith.
The FBI said eight girls were found at Bateman’s Colorado home during an FBI raid on September 13.
The affidavit described Bateman as “a cult leader with about 50 followers and more than 20 wives, many of whom were minors under the age of 15.”
One of the girls was reported to be 9 years old.
Bateman, who is also accused of trying to marry his daughter, spoke to a couple who were filming a documentary about his community, according to the FBI.
The affidavit states that “Bateman had an ‘impression of the will of our Heavenly Father’, encouraged his followers, including minors, to engage in sexual acts and relied on their obedience to make their own decisions.” I am carrying out my will,” he said.
The affidavit also states that Bateman arranges group sex acts in a “brother bondage” ritual in which he has sex with the wives of his male followers while other men and underage girls look on.
Bateman said the “Heavenly Father” commanded him to “give him the most precious thing he has, the virtue of his girls.” was only 12 years old.
“The girls who cried on the recording said they were in pain, but there was no darkness. Bateman said the girls had sacrificed their virtues for the Lord.
Bateman was also reportedly a supporter of former FLDS leader Warren Jeffs, who was eventually prosecuted for sexually assaulting minors in three states.
According to KSAZ, Jeffs denounced Bateman in a message sent from prison to followers.
