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Feds: Imprisoned polygamous leader helped plan girls’ escape

Samuel Bateman, a self-declared prophet who is behind bars while he awaits trial, worked with three adult women he also claims to be his wives to help the girls escape foster care, attorneys allege.

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) FBI agents raid the home of Samuel Bateman in Colorado City, Ariz., on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Prosecutors this week accused Bateman of helping orchestrate the escape of girls he considered his wives from state foster care while behind bars awaiting trial. In court documents filed Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, they allege the self-described polygamous "prophet" worked with adult women he also claims as wives to help the underage girls escape foster placements they were sent to after his arrest earlier this year.