Trial Kicks Off for Two Accused in Shocking Polygamist Child Abuse Case

Federal prosecutors initiated their case on Tuesday against two Arizona brothers, LaDell and Torrance Bistline, accused of involvement in a disturbing child sex abuse ring targeting ten girls as young as nine. The trial, taking place in Phoenix, has drawn significant attention due to the serious allegations and the background of the defendants.

The Bistline brothers are connected to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an offshoot of the Mormon Church that upholds polygamous practices. The case notably involves Samuel Rappylee Bateman, the sect’s leader, who previously acknowledged engaging in sexual acts with multiple underage brides. Defense attorney Kathy Henry labeled Bateman as “evil” and “a monster,” while asserting that her client, Torrance, had no part in Bateman’s illicit activities.

“He’s raped nobody,” Henry insisted. “He’s exploited no children.” According to her, Torrance was occupied with his successful business, Velociwrapper, which specializes in equipment for solar and wind farm installations. She claimed that Bateman and another FLDS member, Maroni Johnson, manipulated Torrance, using profits from his venture for personal luxuries.

While defending Torrance, attorney Jacob Faussette, representing LaDell Bistline Jr., acknowledged LaDell’s role in the abuse but painted a broader picture of guilt surrounding Bateman and Johnson, who are accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals. He urged jurors to focus on “Money, sex and power” as pivotal themes in the unfolding case.

Federal prosecutor Ryan Powell emphasized LaDell’s alleged indispensability to Bateman’s power dynamics within the FLDS, highlighting that LaDell reportedly gave his two daughters—a mere nine and eleven years old—to Bateman in 2020. “This is a case about power and control,” he remarked, accusing the men of treating minors as property while cloaking their actions in religious rhetoric.

The charges against LaDell include multiple counts related to the exploitation of minors, while Torrance faces accusations of destruction of evidence and conspiracy to interfere with an official investigation. Powell alleged that Torrance financially supported Bateman’s operations and participated in heinous acts against minors. He also accused both men of obstructing FBI inquiries by deleting incriminating communications and attempting to conceal evidence.

Emotional moments marked the courtroom proceedings, with one juror visibly distressed as harrowing images of Bateman’s young brides were shown. Concerns over juror impartiality arose, especially after one stated her disgust for the FLDS community in her questionnaire. Judge Susan Brnovich reaffirmed the juror’s opportunity for impartiality during selection, ultimately deciding to proceed with the trial.

As the trial unfolds, the situation remains tense, with significant implications for the Bistline brothers as well as the broader FLDS community. Seven of Bateman’s adult wives have previously pleaded guilty to related charges, highlighting the extensive ramifications of this case in the ongoing investigation of child exploitation.