Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Polygamous Sect Leader Samuel Bateman Sentenced to 24 Years

8/27/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Samuel Bateman, polygamous sect leader, was sentenced to 24 years in state prison.
He is already serving a 50-year federal term for coercing girls as young as nine.
An August 2022 Flagstaff stop uncovered three girls, ages 11-14, in a hot trailer.
The trailer had no air conditioning, no seat belts, and a makeshift toilet.
Judge Joshua Steinlage said the state term will start after Bateman finishes his federal sentence.

1 of 1

Story summary

Samuel Bateman, polygamous sect leader, was sentenced to 24 years in state prison.
He is already serving a 50-year federal term for coercing girls as young as nine.
An August 2022 Flagstaff stop uncovered three girls, ages 11-14, in a hot trailer.
The trailer had no air conditioning, no seat belts, and a makeshift toilet.
Judge Joshua Steinlage said the state term will start after Bateman finishes his federal sentence.