PHOENIX — A federal jury in Phoenix has convicted two brothers of participating in the abuse of children connected to Samuel Bateman, the self-proclaimed leader of a polygamous sect near the Arizona-Utah border.
LaDell J. Bistline, Jr., 45 and Torrance Bistline, 36, both of Colorado City, were found guilty of various charges related to a years-long conspiracy involving the victimization of at least 10 children, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office of Arizona.
The Bistline brothers were followers of Bateman, who pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiring to commit kidnapping in a plan to free underage girls who had been taken into Arizona state custody.
Investigators have said Bateman allegedly traveled across Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Nebraska and had sex with juvenile girls on a regular basis.
Officials said Ladell Bistline had delivered two "child brides" to Bateman when the girls were ages 9 and 11. The brothers had also participated in "group sexual activity," prosecutors said.
One of the defendants attempted to destroy and hide evidence related to the investigation.
“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," FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Bistlines could face a life sentence in prison when they are sentenced in court in December.
RELATED: Polygamous sect leader pleads guilty in scheme to orchestrate sexual acts involving children
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