Justice prevails in Phoenix, Colorado City Brothers convicted of monstrous child sex abuse conspiracy

In a major legal development, LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr., 45, and Torrance Bistline, 36, were convicted on multiple charges by a federal jury in Phoenix for their roles in a long-standing child sex abuse conspiracy. Strikingly, these two men from Colorado City, Arizona, engaged in criminal activities that not only spanned several states, but also left at least ten children as victims. Their ties to Samuel Rappylee Bateman, a self-proclaimed leader of a religious cult, were at the center of the prosecution’s case, which involved charges ranging from possession of child pornography to transporting minors for sexual activities. Bateman, along with nine followers, had previously pleaded guilty to related charges and did not stand trial alongside the Bistline brothers, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona.

“Today’s verdict is a step toward justice for the victims of LaDell and Torrance Bistline,” U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino said in the news release. He condemned the brothers’ abuse of power and the indelible damage they caused their victims. Restaino made it clear that he must always work relentlessly to support and heal those affected by such exploitation. The FBI also expressed their dedicated efforts in this case, with Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez emphasizing the agency’s role in protecting children and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.

LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr. was found guilty on several counts, including receipt of child pornography, coercing minors to engage in sexual activity and transporting a minor for criminal sexual activity. His younger brother, Torrance Bistline, faced convictions including using interstate commerce to coerce a minor and charges related to evidence tampering and obstruction of the investigation. Evidence presented at trial details a harrowing scheme involving LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr. gave birth to two of his daughters, aged nine and eleven, to become Bateman’s child brides, and to participate in group sexual activities involving children and similar livestreaming. actions as described by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona. Torrance Bistline provided financial support to Bateman’s cult and sexually abused one of Bateman’s child “brides,” while later attempting to destroy evidence.

Both men now face a minimum of ten years and the possibility of life in prison. The sentencing for LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr. is set for December 16, while Torrance Bistline’s will follow on December 20. Their leader, Samuel Rappylee Bateman, is expected to be sentenced on October 28. The convictions cap a multi-agency effort, with expressions of gratitude. extended to the Arizona Department of Child Safety, the Colorado City Police Department and others for their roles in rescuing the victims and assisting the investigation.