Defense Questions Credibility of Witness in FLDS Child Abuse Trial

In a disturbing federal trial in Phoenix, defense attorneys focused on questioning the credibility of a witness who claims to have observed two men, LaDell Bistline Jr. and Torrance Bistline, engaged in sex acts with minors as part of a child sex abuse ring. The witness, Naomi Bistline, is among seven women who admitted guilt this year to charges related to obstructing justice in connection with Samuel Bateman, a self-proclaimed leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Bateman, who had been accused of marrying and sexually abusing ten underage girls, pled guilty in April to conspiracy charges, acknowledging the transport of young girls across state lines for sexual purposes. Bistline’s testimony came on the fifth day of the trial, where she detailed horrific incidents including an “atonement ceremony,” where she and other women were directed to strip naked while Bateman prayed over them.

Under questioning, Naomi Bistline described a scene where she was coerced into an act against her will, stating, “I pleaded with Bateman to make it stop.” Defense attorney Kathy Henry challenged her claims by introducing previous statements where Bistline denied witnessing such acts. Bistline attributed her conflicting statements to the psychological grip Bateman had on her at the time of her initial interviews in 2023.

During her testimony, Bistline became visibly emotional as she recounted horrifying moments, including one where a 14-year-old girl was instructed to avoid becoming pregnant. The trial revealed layers of manipulation and abuse, with Bistline asserting that she was still brainwashed during her earlier interviews.

As the defense team probed further, questioning Bistline’s memory and truthfulness, she admitted to lying initially due to fear and confusion. She stated she had regained clarity by the time of her second interview in August 2024, where she was able to provide a full account of events.

Another witness, Moretta Johnson, corroborated parts of Bistline’s account regarding the atonement ceremonies. However, she noted that she had not seen the Bistline brothers involved in inappropriate acts with minors. LaDell Bistline Jr. and Torrance Bistline face multiple serious charges, including enticing minors into sexual conduct and evidence tampering.

The trial continues to unfold, revealing the complex web of coercion and abuse within the community surrounding Bateman. Seven of his adult wives have already entered guilty pleas to related offenses, with some now serving prison sentences.