Netflix’s ‘Trust Me: The False Prophet’ Revives Investigation into FLDS Leader Samuel Bateman

Background

The four‑part series Trust Me: The False Prophet chronicles the rise of Samuel Bateman, a self‑styled prophet of a splinter group of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Day Saints (FLDS). Bateman, who claimed dozens of wives—many underage—was arrested in 2022 after a joint FBI‑local investigation uncovered systematic sexual abuse.

New Developments

Since the documentary’s debut on April 8, it has reignited public scrutiny of the cult’s inner workings. The series shows cult‑expert Christine Marie and filmmaker Tolga Kates living in Short Creek, Utah, documenting survivors while covertly gathering evidence that helped secure Bateman’s conviction. He is now serving a 50‑year sentence, a penalty comparable to that of former FLDS leader Warren Jeffs.

Survivors Speak

Recent updates reveal that several women featured in the series—Nomz, Moretta and Julia—have left the community and are receiving counseling. Christine Marie, who remained in Short Creek, says the film “gave many victims a voice and forced the community to confront a painful past.” The documentary is now streaming, prompting renewed calls for broader legal safeguards for vulnerable members of polygamous sects.