safety
Polygamous sect leader convicted of abuse charges after girls found in trailer on Arizona highway
By Jacques Billeaud And Josh Kelety, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· June 26, 2026
· 3 min read
A polygamous sect leader already serving a 50-year federal prison sentence for orchestrating sex involving children was convicted Friday on state child abuse charges after girls were found in an unventilated trailer he was hauling through Arizona.Someone alerted authorities about the trailer in A...
Key takeaway Police stopped Samuel Bateman's vehicle as he was driving through Flagstaff and found three girls inside, who were ages 11 to 14 at the time.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The conviction of Samuel Bateman on state child abuse charges raises concerns for local residents in Terrell Hills about the potential presence of similar groups or individuals in the San Antonio area. While the incident occurred in Arizona, it highlights the need for vigilance in identifying and reporting suspicious activities that may indicate child abuse or exploitation. The fact that someone alerted authorities about the trailer, leading to the rescue of the girls, demonstrates the importance of community involvement in preventing such crimes. As the sentencing hearing approaches, local authorities in Bexar County should be aware of the potential for similar cases and take proactive steps to educate the public on recognizing signs of child abuse and reporting them to the authorities. This case also underscores the need for cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies to prevent and investigate crimes that involve child exploitation.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A polygamous sect leader already serving a 50-year federal prison sentence for orchestrating sex involving children was convicted Friday on state child abuse charges after girls were found in an unventilated trailer he was hauling through Arizona.Someone alerted authorities about the trailer in A...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jacques Billeaud And Josh Kelety, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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