Cult Leader Samuel Bateman Had Wives Kidnap Victims From Foster Homes

Bateman emerged at the leader of the sect – known as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) – in 2019 after duping staunch followers into believing its former leader, Warren Jeffs, died in a Texas prison where he is serving life for raping two girls, according to the Salt Lake City Tribune investigation.

Bateman amassed more than 20 wives — half of them under 18 — which he recruited as he shuttled between the states of Nebraska, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona visiting followers known as “Samuelites,” and convincing brainwashed followers to hand over their young daughters.

“His intent was to engage in sexual activity with minor girls, and he did so on a regular basis,” according to a copy of the superseding indictment obtained by RadarOnline.com.