Samuel Bateman, the polygamous sect leader at the center of Netflix’s Trust Me: The False Prophet, has been sentenced to an additional 24 years in prison following his conviction on state child abuse charges in Arizona. The new sentence comes on top of the 50-year federal prison term Bateman is already serving for child sexual abuse offences and other crimes.
Bateman’s latest conviction stemmed from a 2022 traffic stop in Flagstaff, Arizona. Police discovered three girls, aged between 11 and 14, inside an unventilated trailer that lacked basic safety features, including seat belts and air conditioning. The trailer contained camping chairs, a sofa and a makeshift toilet, while authorities were alerted after someone reportedly spotted small fingers reaching through gaps in its doors.
According to The Independent, Judge Joshua Steinlage ordered the 24-year state sentence to begin after Bateman completes his 50-year federal term. The judge cited the “insane danger” posed to the girls, while Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker said the sentence ensured Bateman
“will never again be in a position to harm a child.”
Samuel Bateman Was Already Serving a 50-Year Federal Sentence
The 50-year-old self-proclaimed prophet was previously convicted on federal charges involving child sexual abuse, including coercing young girls into sexual acts and conspiring to kidnap girls from protective custody. Bateman had claimed to have more than 20 “spiritual wives,” including several girls under the age of 18.
During the latest sentencing, Bateman represented himself and insisted that he had not intended to harm anyone.
“I love these dear people with all my heart, and I had no intention in the entire world to harm them,”
he told the court.
However, one victim described the lasting impact of the abuse. The girl, who was 14 when she was found in the trailer, said Bateman had sexually abused her when she was 12 and that she later required therapy to recover from
“things that should have never happened to me as a child.”
She added,
“He stole my childhood.”
Bateman became widely known through Netflix’s four-part documentary series Trust Me: The False Prophet, which followed the investigation into his crimes and the women who helped expose him. Netflix’s Tudum reported that Bateman declared himself a prophet after claiming that imprisoned FLDS leader Warren Jeffs was speaking through him.
The documentary was directed by Rachel Dretzin and featured cult psychology expert Christine Marie and her husband, videographer Tolga Katas, whose undercover footage helped uncover evidence against Bateman. Netflix also confirmed that the series documented his 2022 arrest and the subsequent legal proceedings.
Bateman led a small offshoot connected to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and built a network across several US states. While his influence has continued to decline since his arrest, the new Arizona sentence means he faces at least 74 years in prison, with the additional 24 years set to begin only after his federal term ends.
