Accused polygamy cult leader Sam Bateman (screenshot courtesy of Law&Crime Network)
Polygamous cult leader Sam Bateman, a self-proclaimed prophet awaiting trial on kidnapping and other charges, “brazenly” used the prison’s telephone system to “sexually abuse his children and We had a great discussion,” the federal prosecutor said.
One of the girls, identified as “Jane Doe 4” in court documents, is a 13-year-old girl who allegedly conspired in the kidnapping, court documents say.
“All Sacred Ages”
During the Nov. 26 conversation, Bateman made a video call with “several” of his adult wives, while “Jane Doe 4” was on another call under the control of the Arizona Department of Child Safety. rice field. According to prosecutors, Bateman then called her a “sexy darling” and made profane sexual remarks about her breasts and his desire to molest her.
“Don’t you remember the sacred time we spent together?” Bateman was quoted as telling the girl.
The conversation violated a superior court order barring Bateman from contacting “Jane Doe,” a child abuse victim in Coconino County, Arizona, prosecutors said.
Bateman allegedly made the same obscene and vulgar sexual remarks to his 16-year-old victim, “Jane Doe, 10.”
In 2019, Bateman proclaimed himself a prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS). The government estimates that Bateman had about 50 followers and more than 20 of his wives, nine of whom were minors between the ages of 12 and 16.
“Bateman has an ‘impression of the will of our Heavenly Father,’ inciting his followers, including minor children, to engage in sexual acts, relying on their obedience to carry out his will.” ‘, the prosecutor said. I have written “Bateman began around May 2020 to allow minors to travel in interstate commerce to engage in illegal sexual activity with minors or to travel in interstate He is the subject of a federal investigation into conducting commerce.”
Bateman has been in custody since his arrest Paid in mid-September in an attempt to obstruct justice.a subsequent prosecution He and his three adult wives, Naomi Vistline, Donay Barlow, and Moretta Rose Johnson, have been charged with additional obstruction-related counts and federal kidnapping charges. You have indicated that you may be imminent towards others.
Originally scheduled for trial last November, Bateman’s indictment has been postponed multiple times, most recently by another year until March 5, 2024.
Bateman’s attorney, Mark J. Victor, said the order barring clients from contacting anyone other than a lawyer from behind bars using a phone system run by contractor CoreCivic was unconstitutional. claims to be
“The restrictions on Mr. Bateman’s access to everyone outside the core civic, excluding lawyers, are excessive and suggest a clear intent to punish Mr. Bateman, and therefore his due process and his First Amendment. It denies the right of the article,” Victor said. I have written.
“She chose the wrong religion that she hates.”
Prosecutors responded to the allegations with a string of alleged violations by Bateman, justifying the action.
“Bateman was involved in the abduction or escape of eight children during the 77 days he spent in federal pretrial detention before communications were restricted. Violating a court’s no-contact order Directing others to intimidate government witnesses Trying to influence potential testimony Repeatedly abusing the facility’s communication system in violation of policy ‘ said the government.
Before being indicted by the federal government, Bateman was charged with endangering children on August 28, 2022 in Arizona after being found with three girls aged 11 to 14 during a traffic stop. Arrested by state police.
In body camera footage of that stop, Bateman could be heard telling his agent:
During his temporary custody that day, Bateman instructed his followers to “delete all Signal accounts and delete all messages now,” according to prosecutors.
Detailing some of the allegations behind the federal kidnapping charges, prosecutors allege that Bateman engineered the plan from behind prison.
“Following Bateman’s federal arrest, nine underage girls believed to be Bateman’s wives were detained at the Arizona Department of Child Services (DCS) on Sept. 14, 2022,” prosecutors said. The officer writes “Bateman conspired with others to remove the girls from DCS custody using the Core Civic/Central Arizona Florence Correctional Facility (CAFCC) communications system. At least three of the wives who had been arrested successfully removed eight of their nine children from DCS placement.Law enforcement found the girls in Spokane, Washington on December 1, 2022. bottom.”
Bateman is also said to have used the prison’s telephone system to engage in witness intimidation.
On the same day that he made sexual remarks to a minor from prison, Bateman asked one of his wives to send a scripture to the government witness, Doctrine and Covenants 121.
“To all who displease, drive, and murder my people, and testify against them, saith the Lord Almighty, no generation of venomous serpents shall escape hell’s punishment,” the poem reads. reading.
Prosecutors said Bateman asked his wife to deliver the message from a blocked phone number and “sent this to her and told you to tell her that she chose a religion she disliked.” He said.
“You should also tell her that I can assure you that cancer has already formed in her and Little Froggy’s bodies,” Bateman said.
Through his attorney’s reply Saturday, Bateman did not appear to have any objection to making any of the remarks.
“Mr. Bateman’s comments were simply distracting because the message was not intimidating and Mr. Bateman has no control over his cancer,” the defense said. response state.
Bateman also denied violating a Coconino County court order, alleging he was barred from contacting “named victims” only if he could post a bond. Yes. He was ordered to be detained during trial.
Read government filings here.
