Polygamous sect leader sentenced to 50 years for orchestrating child sex abuse in the U.S

Samuel Bateman, a polygamist leader in the U.S., was sentenced to 50 years in prison for orchestrating sexual acts with underage girls and attempting to kidnap them from protective custody. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving transporting minors for sexual activity and kidnapping. Bateman, 48, claimed over 20 spiritual "wives," including 10 minors. His actions were part of a broader pattern of abuse within a sect that split from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Several of his adult "wives" have also been convicted for their roles in the crimes. The case highlights ongoing issues of child abuse within the sect. Bateman's sentencing follows a series of arrests and convictions related to the exploitation of minors, with more trials scheduled for his associates.