Arizona Men Convicted for Their Role in Religious Child Sex Abuse Network

Two Arizona men were found guilty Wednesday of involvement in a polygamous child sex abuse ring, facing potential life sentences. The jury determined that LaDell Bistline Jr. and his brother, Torrance Bistline, participated in this exploitative scheme across several states over three years.

LaDell Bistline Jr., affiliated with the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, transported his minor daughters and several other young girls to marry Samuel Rappylee Bateman, a self-proclaimed FLDS prophet, in Colorado City, Arizona. Evidence revealed that Bateman regularly raped his child brides, some as young as nine, claiming it was for spiritual atonement.

The court was presented with damning evidence, including video recordings made by a filmmaker documenting Bateman’s life. These recordings captured Bistline Jr. discussing how he facilitated the girls’ marriages to Bateman. “LaDell nailed himself,” remarked filmmaker Christine Marie, reflecting on the incriminating nature of the footage.

Torrance Bistline, meanwhile, was implicated not only in financial support for Bateman’s activities but also in committing sexual assault against one of Bateman’s underage brides during an “atonement” ceremony. His admissions came through a letter to Bateman and reluctant responses during FBI questioning, where he acknowledged that forcing actions upon others is wrong.

Throughout the trial, the defense attempted to undermine the testimonies of over a dozen victims, including all ten child brides. However, federal prosecutor Dimitra Sampson highlighted the variable details in witness accounts, explaining that such variations actually support the authenticity of the testimonies, given the trauma the victims endured.

The jury reached a verdict in less than two hours, demonstrating their conviction in the presented evidence. Defense attorney Kathy Henry expressed disappointment, questioning the jury’s adherence to the defense argument.

Following the guilty verdicts, the Department of Justice is expected to issue a statement. The FBI’s investigation into Bateman began in early 2022 after local filmmaker Marie raised concerns about his activities. Despite her attempts to alert authorities, significant delays hampered the investigation, only picking up substantial momentum by July of that year.

As the case progresses, Bateman awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to multiple charges, while the Bistline brothers are set to be sentenced in December. The proceedings have exposed the troubling underbelly of polygamous practices within their community and the prolonged suffering of the victims.