Moroni Johnson Sentenced to 25 Years for Giving Daughters to Cult Leader

The former FLDS member pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport minors across state lines for sex abuse.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:30am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken pair of eyeglasses, the lenses shattered and the frame twisted, against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the trauma and abuse experienced by the victims of a cult leader's crimes.The shattered remnants of a child's eyeglasses symbolize the devastating impact of a cult leader's abuse on vulnerable minors.Hildale Today

Moroni Johnson, a former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), gave four of his underage daughters to Samuel Bateman, the leader of a breakaway religious sect who claimed to be a prophet. Bateman sexually abused the girls, and Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport minors for criminal sexual activity. He is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of cults and the exploitation of vulnerable children by self-proclaimed religious leaders. It also underscores the difficult position that family members can find themselves in when a loved one becomes involved in an abusive group.

The details

In 2019, Samuel Bateman, a former FLDS member, created his own sect and told his followers that he was a prophet who could have multiple "spiritual wives." Moroni Johnson, who had previously been part of the FLDS community, became one of Bateman's closest followers. Johnson convinced his wife, Julia, to allow four of their underage daughters to become Bateman's "wives." Julia fought against this, but the girls were ultimately given to Bateman, who sexually abused them and coordinated their abuse by other men.

  • In 2019, Bateman became determined that he was the next prophet and could claim nearly two dozen women and girls as his "spiritual wives."
  • In August 2022, Bateman was initially arrested on suspicion of child abuse.
  • In March 2024, Moroni Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiring with Bateman to transport underage girls across state lines for criminal sexual activity.
  • In 2025, Moroni Johnson was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

The players

Moroni Johnson

A former member of the FLDS community who became a dedicated follower of Samuel Bateman and gave four of his underage daughters to Bateman as his "wives." Johnson is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for conspiracy to transport minors for criminal sexual activity.

Samuel Bateman

A former member of the FLDS who created his own sect and claimed to be a prophet, allowing him to have multiple "spiritual wives," including minors as young as 9 years old. Bateman was sentenced to 50 years in prison for conspiracy to transport a minor for sex and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

Julia Johnson

Moroni Johnson's wife, who fought against her husband's decision to give their daughters to Bateman but was ultimately unable to prevent it. Julia later testified against Moroni and Bateman, and has spoken up about the abuse in the Netflix docuseries "Trust Me: The False Prophet."

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What they’re saying

“We were leaving the church and not being obedient.”

— Julia Johnson

“I couldn't comprehend why there wasn't a marriage ceremony that allowed her to consent.”

— Julia Johnson

What’s next

Bateman and his co-conspirators, LaDell Bistline and Torrance Bistline, have also been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in the abuse. The case has raised broader questions about the need for stronger oversight and regulation of fringe religious groups to protect vulnerable children.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating consequences of cults and the exploitation of children by self-proclaimed religious leaders. It underscores the importance of empowering family members to speak out against abuse and the need for greater legal and social protections for victims of such crimes.