CultNEWS101 Articles: 4/10/2026
Patrick Ryan
This article explores the tension between State authority and religious movements regarding the physical protection of minors. Using the Twelve Tribes and Quiverfull movements as case studies, the authors argue that these groups often seek to constrain or evade government oversight to maintain total control over their children's upbringing and discipline. Ultimately, the study highlights how inconsistent State enforcement and the prioritization of religious rights can leave children in "invisible" and dangerous environments.
Bateman created his own extremist faction of the FLDS faith and concealed disturbing sexual crimes.
"Samuel Bateman claimed he had divine authority to shepherd his own extremist sect of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS). In reality, he was orchestrating a multi-state scheme to conceal horrific sexual crimes."
"...Samuel Rappylee Bateman was born sometime around 1976; an exact month and day hasn’t been made public. Not surprisingly, little else is known about his childhood and immediate family.
Bateman grew up in Colorado City, Arizona, and was a devoted follower of the FLDS, led by Rulon Jeffs from 1986 through 2002 before son Warren Jeffs succeeded him, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. FLDS members believe their president is a prophet through whom God communicates directly.
Warren Jeffs was arrested in 2006 and later convicted of sexually assaulting two underage girls. He is estimated to have taken around 80 “spiritual wives,” including more than 20 who were underage girls. Bateman attended his trial.
Around 2019, with Jeffs unable to perform new marriages from prison, Bateman began claiming his own prophetic authority and led a breakaway sect of about 50 people known as the “Samuelites” along the Arizona and Utah border. Their community was known as Short Creek."
Netflix: Where Are the Survivors of Trust Me: The False Prophet Now?
Director Rachel Dretzin, Christine Marie, and Nomz Bistline on what’s next after bringing down Samuel Bateman.
"Trust Me: The False Prophet follows cult psychology expert Christine Marie and her videographer husband Tolga Katas, who moved to Short Creek, Utah, to document and support a community in crisis. In 2011, Warren Jeffs — leader of the breakaway Mormon sect called the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), whose members practice polygamy — was convicted of child sexual assault and sentenced to life in prison. His imprisonment left the insular community fractured and adrift. As Christine and Tolga got to know their new neighbors, a familiar face resurfaced: Samuel Bateman, a former rank-and-file FLDS member who now proclaimed himself a prophet and began to amass followers and take multiple wives, including minors.
Directed by Emmy- and Peabody Award–winning filmmaker Rachel Dretzin (Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey), the four-part documentary is built largely from footage Christine and Tolga captured while embedded in Bateman’s inner circle. Believing they were making a documentary that would spread and uplift his message throughout the world, Bateman welcomed the cameras — unaware they were secretly gathering evidence of his crimes, including the sexual abuse of underage girls."
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