PHOENIX — Self-proclaimed prophet and admitted polygamist Samuel Bateman was in federal court Tuesday. That was not notable in and of itself. But the sheer number of defendants was.
There were 10 of them, sitting in this jury box with their lawyers. Most of them were Bateman's 'sister wives,' polygamous wives Bateman says he is married to and who claim they are married to him under the aegis of the FLDS, or Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints. The FLDS is a breakaway from the mainstem Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Tuesday's appearance was a status conference for the defendants. Prosecutors said they were able to move forward with a trial, defense attorneys said there was still too much evidence that hadn't been turned over in the discovery process.
Many of Bateman's co-defendants smiled at the self-proclaimed prophet as he came into the courtroom in a yellow jumpsuit, flanked by federal agents. Bateman is reported to have about 50 followers and more than 20 wives -- ten of whom are underage, according to a federal indictment. Many of the 'wives' are accused of helping him kidnap and transport victims across state lines, those same documents claim.
In the hearing:
-- Bateman told U.S. District Court Judge Susan Brnovich that he wanted represent himself at trial. The judge allowed his attorney to withdraw but appointed an advisory counsel to Bateman.
-- Bateman asked for his communication privileges back, claiming his constitutional rights were violated since he wasn't able to contact his "darling family." Prosecutors had earlier asked the court to revoke those privileges because Bateman asked his followers to delete information potentially related to the case, according to court documents.
Three of the defendants also had motion hearings arguing for supervised release from custody. Marona Johnson, 26, is facing charges of distributing obscene material to a minor. Prosecutors said Johnson is Bateman's "first plural wife" and to this day is still a "loyal" and "committed follower" of Bateman. Johnson's defense argued that she is a victim of Bateman and should be released.
Judge Brnovich denied Johnson's release.
Torrance Bistline, 34, was also denied release. He is charged with using a means of interstate commerce to persuade or coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity and multiple counts related to tampering with evidence. The indictment also claims Bateman called Bistline while in custody after Bateman was arrested in Flagstaff last year.
The judge also denied Leia Bistline's release. Leia's defense attorney Loyd Tate argued his client is not a danger to the community and has no criminal record.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here.