FLDS leader Samuel Bateman gets second sentence of 24 years in state case
September 3, 2026 at 6:03 AM MT · via The Guardian · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting
Samuel Bateman, a fundamentalist polygamous sect leader already serving 50 years for federal child sex abuse charges, received an additional 24-year state prison sentence, The Guardian reports. The state sentence stems from charges related to the 2022 discovery of three girls, ages 11 to 14, locked in a trailer Bateman was towing.
Bateman led a small group that broke away from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), a fundamentalist group not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Authorities said Bateman directed the group in practicing child marriage and abuse across multiple states.
Bateman pleaded guilty to state child abuse and kidnapping charges. His federal and state sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve the longer 50-year federal term.
More coverage of this story
- True Crime News →August 25, 2026 at 3:57 PM MT
- Audacy →August 25, 2026 at 6:02 AM MT
- The Mirror US →August 30, 2026 at 7:03 AM MT
- KTAR News 92.3 FM →August 28, 2026 at 12:13 PM MT
Mormon News summarizes reporting from established outlets and always links to the original. See an error? Report it.
From the Mormon News Podcast
- LDS Church Caught Lying, Charlie Bird Breaking Point, Bishop Charged - Mormon News 9.4.26 | Ep. 2189
Full episode and transcript · September 4, 2026
- Bloomberg Exposes Mormon Land Empire, Baseball Baptisms & More - Mormon News 8.28.26 | Ep. 2187
Full episode and transcript · August 28, 2026
Related coverage
- Elder Soares meets with Mexican officials, journalists, and faith leaders
via Church Newsroom · September 7, 2026
- Sentencing set for polygamous leader convicted of child abuse in Arizona
via ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos · September 6, 2026
- Former LDS bishop charged with child sexual abuse material possession after prostitution arrest
via ABC4 Utah · September 6, 2026
- Scholars examine Deseret Alphabet's spiritual and social goals
via Times and Seasons · September 6, 2026