Arizona man sentenced to life in prison for child sexual abuse conspiracy

PHOENIX — An Arizona man was sentenced to life in prison for his role in a child sexual abuse conspiracy, authorities announced Friday.

LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr., 46, of Colorado City, received the sentence nearly five months after he was convicted on several charges:

• One count of receipt of child pornography
• One count of transfer of obscene material to a minor
• Two counts of persuading or coercing travel to engage in sexual activity
• Two counts of using a means of interstate commerce to persuade or coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity
• Two counts of transportation of a minor for criminal sexual activity

What was Arizona man convicted of doing?

Bistline participated in a yearslong sexual abuse conspiracy that involved at least 10 children as part of a religious sect based in Colorado City, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

Bistline had two of his daughters become child brides and they were sexually abused at 11 and 9 years of age.

Other victims were taken between states by Bistline for abuse.

Bistline also was involved in group sexual activity involving children.

The Phoenix Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case.

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