Arizona

Man who obtained children for Samuel Bateman to ‘marry’ sentenced



LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr. was sentenced on Wednesday, the United States Attorney’s Office said.

PHOENIX — A man who helped imprisoned polygamist religious leader Samuel Bateman obtain children to become his “wives” has been sentenced to life in prison, according to authorities.

MORE DETAILS: Polygamous sect leader pleads guilty in scheme to orchestrate sexual acts involving children

LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr., 46, of Colorado City, was sentenced on Wednesday, the United States Attorney’s Office said.

The agency said the men were involved in a child sexual abuse ring.

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In October 2024, a jury found Bistline guilty of the following:

  • 1 count of receipt of child pornography
  • 1 count of transfer of obscene material to a minor
  • 2 counts of persuading or coercing travel to engage in sexual activity
  • 2 counts of using a means of interstate commerce to persuade/coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity
  • 2 counts of transportation of a minor for criminal sexual activity

Prosecutors presented evidence at trial that showed Bistline and others worked to find children for Bateman to sexually abuse.

At least 10 girls were victimized “in a years-long child sexual abuse conspiracy that spanned several states” involving Bateman and his religious sect, according to the agency.

The agency said Bistline even delivered his own daughters, then aged 9 and 11, to Bateman so that they could be abused.

The young victims were transported between states including Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona so that they could be sexually abused, the agency said.

MORE DETAILS: Arizona man charged after girls found in enclosed trailer

“Bistline also participated in group sexual activity involving children, including one event he watched over a video livestream,” the agency said. 

In December 2024, Bateman was sentenced to 50 years in prison. He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit transportation of a minor for criminal sexual activity and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

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