Bateman Polygamy Trial Ends In Guilty Verdict
 
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Tri-State News Network
 
KINGMAN, AZ - The latest in a series of prosecutions targeting Colorado City polygamists charged with sexually offending underage girls has ended in guilty verdicts in the case against David Bateman, 49. A Mohave County Jury deliberated just 40 minutes before finding Bateman guilty yesterday of sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor.

Prosecutor Matt Smith asserted at trial that Bateman was 44 years old in 2001 when he impregnated the 17-year-old girl who bore his child. Smith said Midge Steed had been assigned as a "celestial bride" to the already married Bateman in a practice common within the Funamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS).

Defense attorney Bruce Griffen argued Bateman should be acquitted because alleged crimes can only be prosecuted in the jurisdiction in which they occur. And Griffen told the jury that the state failed to meet its burden of proving that sex between Bateman and Steed occurred in their home in Colorado City. That finding, however, was not difficult for the jury, given evidence and testimony introduced by Smith.

"We came to the conclusion that there was overwhelming evidence to support that this particular crime occurred in Arizona," Jury Foreman Sam Medrano said. "There was no doubt in our mind that it actually had taken place at Mr. Bateman's house in Colorado City." Medrano said the border defense may have backfired in Bateman's case.

Bateman faces probation and up to four years in prison when sentenced December 21st by Judge James Chavez.
 
Tri-State News Network
Originally published October 26, 2006
 
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