Brothers Convicted in Phoenix for Involvement in Child Abuse Case
Two brothers from Colorado City, LaDell J. Bistline, Jr., and Torrance Bistline, were convicted in Phoenix on Wednesday for their participation in a years-long conspiracy involving the sexual abuse of multiple children linked to Samuel Bateman, a self-proclaimed leader of a polygamous sect near the Arizona-Utah border.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office of Arizona reported that the Bistline brothers were found guilty of various charges related to the victimization of at least 10 children. They were followers of Bateman, who had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit kidnapping to free underage girls from Arizona state custody.
According to investigators, Bateman allegedly traveled across multiple states and engaged in sexual acts with juvenile girls on a regular basis. Ladell Bistline, in particular, had delivered two “child brides” to Bateman when the girls were ages 9 and 11. The brothers were also involved in “group sexual activity.”
José A. Pérez, the FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge, stated, “Adults who exploit children for illicit activities are a danger and a disgrace. Today’s verdicts reflect the unwavering dedication by the FBI and its partners to ensure those who prey on children are held accountable and brought to justice.”
The Bistline brothers could face a life sentence in prison when they are sentenced in court in December.
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