PHOENIX — An Arizona man was sentenced on Monday to 35 years in prison for taking part in a religious sect’s child abuse ring, according to authorities.
Torrance Bistline, 36, committed the sex crimes with others including Samuel Bateman, a self-proclaimed leader who led a polygamous group out of Colorado City, Arizona, according to a Tuesday news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
In 2022, the case grabbed national attention after Bateman was caught by police in Flagstaff with underaged girls in his enclosed trailer.
It was learned that Bateman had more than 20 wives, including 10 girls who were minors.
Details on Arizona man child sex abuse ring case
Bistline’s charges stemmed from his participation in the child sex abuse ring, which involved 10 children and spanned across several states.
Bistline was convicted by a jury on the following charges:
- One count of using a means of interstate commerce to persuade or coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity.
- Two counts of destruction of records in an official proceeding.
- One count of conspiracy to commit destruction of records in an official proceeding.
- One count of tampering with an official proceeding
- One count of conspiracy to commit tampering with an official proceeding.
He abused one of Bateman’s child brides during a sexual group activity, according to court documents. He then attempted to hide and destroy evidence to hinder the investigation, according to authorities.
Bistline helped to financially support the child sex abuse ring and even provided luxury cars, authorities said.
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