The chilling story of self-proclaimed prophet Samuel Rappylee Bateman, now serving a 50-year federal prison sentence for running a child sexual abuse ring, has been brought to light in Netflix's documentary series Trust Me: The False Prophet. The four-part series reveals how Bateman, a former real estate agent and motivational speaker, declared himself a prophet in 2019 and formed his own fundamentalist sect, amassing over 20 "wives"—10 of whom were minors.
"With respect to the minor girls," U.S. District Judge Susan Brnovich told Bateman during his December 2024 sentencing, "you took them from their homes, from their families, and made them into your sex slaves. You raped them on a regular basis."
Bateman's arrest came in August 2022 when Arizona state troopers pulled him over and discovered three girls, aged 11 to 14, trapped in an unventilated box trailer he was towing. According to the Associated Press, someone had reported seeing small fingers protruding from a gap in the trailer door.
Despite his imprisonment, Bateman maintains significant influence. Series director Rachel Dretzin revealed that most adults featured in the documentary remain loyal followers, and Bateman communicates daily with his "wives" from prison. "He's now been 'martyred,'" Dretzin noted, suggesting this status grants him continued power.
However, a crucial shift has occurred among the younger survivors. Dretzin confirmed that all minors documented have since separated from Bateman and his community, undergoing what survivors describe as "waking up" from his control. Their journeys toward rebuilding lives outside the sect form a central narrative of hope and resilience amidst the trauma.
The documentary also highlights the role of Christine Marie, a former mainstream Mormon who moved to Colorado City, Arizona, in 2016 to assist fundamentalist community members. Initially met with resistance, her efforts—alongside those of her husband, video producer Tolga Katas—ultimately helped expose Bateman's abuses. Ironically, Bateman had welcomed their documentary project, believing it would spread his message, but it instead contributed to his downfall.
Bateman's case represents a disturbing continuation of abuse within fundamentalist circles, following the life sentence of previous FLDS leader Warren Jeffs for similar crimes against minors. The documentary serves as both a cautionary tale about charismatic manipulation and a testament to the survivors' courage in seeking justice and reclaiming their autonomy.