Samuel Rappylee Bateman, leader of a polygamous sect in Arizona, was sentenced to 50 years in prison after his conviction in a federal court for conspiring to transport a minor for sexual purposes and conspiring to commit kidnappings. This case has garnered intense media coverage, highlighting the incalculable damage Bateman caused to his victims, as stated by U.S. District Judge Susan Brnovich. During the trial, the testimonies of the victims resonated in the courtroom. One minor stated that the abuse had caused a “domino effect” that touched everyone she knew, while another 17-year-old girl spoke of “the silent child being exploited.” Bateman admitted in his guilty plea that he manipulated underage girls to engage in sexual activities with him and other adults in his sect, and planned to kidnap the girls to cross state borders. The sect leader, who created the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, engaged in “group sex” with some of his underage “wives.” In audio recordings presented during the trial, Bateman stated that God had allowed him to take “the most precious thing” from his daughters, their virginity. One alarming aspect of the case was Bateman’s attempt to marry his own 14-year-old daughter, stating he wanted to have a child with her and make her his wife. The FBI discovered this fact, as well as materials in which Bateman claimed that divine interventions would restore the virginity of his victims.
Arizona Man Who Created Cult to Sexually Abuse Girls Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison
In a significant victory for justice, a federal judge in Arizona has sentenced a 58-year-old man to 50 years in prison for creating a cult-like group to sexually abuse young girls. The defendant, David HolZ, will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release.
HolZ was convicted in October 2021 on multiple counts, including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking with minors, sexual exploitation of children, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The investigation into HolZ’s crimes began in 2015 when law enforcement received reports of sexual abuse in his community.
HolZ was the leader of a group called "The Ministry," a secretive organization he created in the late 1990s. Under the guise of religious teachings and spiritual guidance, HolZ manipulated and coerced young girls, many as young as 10 years old, into engaging in sexual activities with him and other members of the group. He used the threat of physical harm, expulsion from the group, and emotional manipulation to maintain control over his victims.
Prosecutors presented evidence during the trial that HolZ would film and photograph the abuse, documenting his crimes to use as leverage against the victims. The evidence also showed how HolZ manipulated the girls into keeping silent about the abuse, creating a culture of fear and compliance within the group.
One of the Salzman’s victims, now an adult, testified at the trial about the abuse she suffered at the hands of HolZ. Her powerful testimony helped to secure the lengthy prison sentence. She stated, "You took something from me that I can never get back, but today you’re being held accountable."
During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Susan Brnovich called HolZ’s crimes "horrendous" and "depraved," stating that his actions had caused irreparable harm to his victims. She imposed the maximum sentence allowed by law, sending a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.
HolZ’s sentencing brings a measure of justice to the young girls he once controlled and victimized. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of believing and supporting survivors of sexual abuse, as well as the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, from predators who seek to exploit and harm them.
