Netflix Exposes FLDS False Prophet Samuel Bateman
New four-part documentary reveals undercover investigation into cult leader's abuse of women and children
Netflix's newest true crime documentary, 'Trust Me: The False Prophet,' premieres on April 8, 2026, exposing the inner workings of a dangerous cult led by self-proclaimed prophet Samuel Bateman. The four-episode miniseries, directed and executive produced by Rachel Dretzin, documents an undercover investigation into Bateman's group operating within the Short Creek community that straddles the Utah-Arizona border.
Bateman rose to prominence within the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) by claiming to be the rightful successor to Warren Jeffs, the imprisoned former FLDS leader. However, far from being a spiritual guide, Bateman allegedly orchestrated the systematic abuse of women and children within his polygamous group.
The documentary's investigation was conducted undercover by Dr. Christine Marie, a cult expert, and Tolga Katas, a videographer and Marie's husband. The pair posed as documentary filmmakers to gain access to Bateman's inner circle, a strategy that allowed them to collect critical of his crimes. Their documentation captured audio and video footage in which Bateman himself admitted to abusing women and children—damning that would eventually support criminal charges against him.