Sect leader who featured in Netflix documentary handed another 24 years in prison

Polygamous sect leader Samuel Bateman has been sentenced to an additional 24 years in prison after being convicted of state child abuse charges in Arizona.

The 50-year-old self-proclaimed prophet is already serving a 50-year federal term for child sexual abuse offences and plotting to kidnap young girls.

Judge Joshua Steinlage ordered the new sentence to be served consecutively after Bateman transported three girls aged 11 to 14 inside a hot, unventilated trailer in August 2022.

Bateman previously led an offshoot of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and claimed to have more than 20 spiritual wives, including children.

Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker said the ruling holds Bateman accountable and ensures he will never be able to harm a child again.