It also charges Bateman with recording some of the sexual activity, alleging some images may have been transmitted across state lines via electronic devices. Polygamy is a legacy of the early teachings of the mainstream church, but it abandoned the practice in 1890 and now strictly prohibits it.Īn indictment published earlier in May says Bateman traveled extensively between Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Nebraska and allegedly had sex with the minor girls on a regular basis. The FLDS, from which Bateman originated, is itself a breakaway sect of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon Church. But charges have mostly pertained to the decision by him and his adult followers to take the minors across state lines - including at one point breaking them out of Arizona foster care - and impeding the investigation. In court filings, investigators have alleged that Bateman, 47, persuaded followers to break off from the FLDS Church, convincing them that he was a prophet who succeeded Jeffs and was “doing ‘Uncle Warren’s’ will.”īateman has been accused of taking at least 20 wives, including many minors as young as 8 and 9 years old. But the case against Bateman serves as a reminder that its legacy remains and continues to evolve. The site was long home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, known by its acronym FLDS.Ĭolorado City and Hildale - an adjoining town across the Utah border - have changed dramatically since the group’s prophet, Warren Jeffs, was arrested more than a decade ago. The group’s appearance in court is the latest development in a sprawling federal investigation spanning at least five states that became public last fall after authorities raided Bateman’s compound in Colorado City, Arizona.

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