CEDAR CITY, Utah, May 22, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — The leader of what has been described as a doomsday polygamous cult has been sentenced to 26 years-to-life in prison for child rape and abuse.
Sam Shaffer, leader of the Iron-County based Knights of the Crystal Blade, was sentenced Tuesday after accepting a plea deal that reduced his charges.
Thirty-four year old Shaffer was sentenced to 25 to life for child rape and one year for child abuse. Fifth District Judge Matthew Bell ordered the terms to be served consecutively.
Shaffer and co-defendant John Coltharp were each “betrothed” to each other’s daughters, then ages 7 and 8, Shaffer told police upon his arrest.
Coltharp’s children were the subject of an AMBER alert last year, and both men’s children were found near Cedar City. Two were found in a mobile home and two were hiding in in empty water barrels in temperatures near freezing.
Shaffer has said his “marriage” was spiritual, not sexual, although he admitted in February to engaging in sexual acts with Coltharp’s daughter when she was 8.
Shaffer has agreed to testify against Coltharp. Shaffer still faces charges related to child sex abuse and child bigamy in Sanpete County.
That is one sick bastard. Excuse me, make that two.