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Polygamous Sect Leader Samuel Bateman Sentenced to 24 Years in State Child Abuse Case
Just the facts
State prosecutors secured convictions against 50-year-old Samuel Bateman on three counts of child abuse related to his leadership of a polygamous religious group. A state judge ordered Bateman to serve 24 years in prison for the state convictions. The new sentence is designated to run consecutively to a 50-year federal prison sentence he was already serving for orchestrating child sexual abuse. Law enforcement investigations into Bateman's breakaway sect revealed systematic sexual abuse and exploitation of minor children. The state judicial order ensures Bateman will remain in custody following the completion of his federal prison term.
Why this is news
A state court sentenced 50-year-old polygamous sect leader Samuel Bateman to 24 years in prison following his conviction on three state counts of child abuse. The ruling follows a prior 50-year federal prison sentence imposed on Bateman for federal child sexual exploitation charges.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.