It follows the disappearance of eight girls who were in the custody of Arizona child protective services who were found late last week in Spokane, Wash. Federal prosecutors in Arizona filed the charges against Naomi Bistline, Donnae Barlow and Moretta Rose Johnson.
FBI agents wrote in a probable cause affidavit that Bateman"is a self-proclaimed Prophet of the FLDS church." Bateman is currently in jail in Arizona, currently charged with obstruction of justice and accused of interfering with an ongoing federal investigation into abuses of children. In September, the FBI raided his Colorado City home and took nine girls into protective custody.
"He tells the girls how much he needs them, and how it puts pressure on him when they are scattered and that he needs everyone to be together," the affidavit states.