A polygamist leader in Arizona has been sentenced to 50 years in prison. Samuel Bateman had pleaded guilty to claiming more than 20 spiritual “wives,” including 10 underage girls.

Summary

Samuel Bateman, a polygamist leader, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for coercing underage girls into sexual activity and attempting to kidnap them from protective custody.

Bateman, who claimed over 20 spiritual wives, including 10 minors, orchestrated a scheme to transport girls across state lines for his crimes.

Seven of Bateman’s adult “wives” have been convicted of related crimes, while two brothers face sentencing for their involvement in the scheme.