Stow Police Department to Host 3rd Annual Speaker Series

Dr. Christine Marie, Who Uncovered Abuse
in Arizona Religious Sect, to Give Presentation

STOW — The Stow Police Department is pleased to announce that a special guest from a Netflix true crime documentary series will speak about cult behavior and its links to abuse at its third annual Speaker Series in October.

Dr. Christine Marie, a cult psychology expert, recently launched a Netflix docu-series that follows the Short Creek religious group. Through her documentary reporting, Dr. Marie uncovered allegations of abuse within the group, findings that ultimately contributed to the arrest and conviction of Samuel Bateman on child abuse charges, and ultimately the four-part series “Trust Me: The False Prophet.”

Dr. Marie will speak on Wednesday, Oct. 7, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Hale School. The event is free and open to the public.

In the docu-series, Dr. Marie begins working with the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a polygamous offshoot of Mormonism, following the conviction of leader Warren Jeffs on child abuse charges. She eventually meets Samuel Bateman, who proclaims he is a prophet. Based on her lived experience as a survivor of cult-based human trafficking, her extensive study of cult behavior, and discussions with Bateman and former church members, Dr. Marie suspects Bateman has abused minors.

She eventually brought her findings to local police and the FBI. Bateman was arrested on dozens of abuse charges. He pleaded guilty in 2024 to Conspiracy to Commit Transportation of a Minor for Criminal Sexual Activity and Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping as part of a plea deal. He is currently serving 50 years in prison.

Dr. Marie’s presentation will be followed by a community roundtable discussion including law enforcement, focusing on “coercive control” as a marker of abuse. The state Legislature expanded Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A, An Act to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation, in 2024 to include “coercive control” as abuse. This includes actions such as isolating a person from family and friends, depriving of basic needs, and monitoring or limiting their movements.

There will be time for audience questions at the conclusion of the forum.

This is the second time Stow Police have focused their speaker series on domestic violence and controlling behavior. These discussions provide an opportunity for the community to come together, have conversations, and support one another, while hearing real stories and obtaining resources. Last year’s guest speakers were the family of Gabby Petito, a travel vlogger who was tragically murdered by her fiancé in 2021.

About Dr. Christine Marie

Christine Marie holds a doctorate in psychology with a specialty in media psychology. She is an author, speaker, educator, researcher, kindness advocate, and a certified Trauma and Resiliency Life Coach. In 2021, she won the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the American Psychological Association, Division of Media Psychology and Technology. This was the first study to identify cruel media-based experiences as a unique form of trauma. In 2024, Christine was awarded the 2023 Harriet Tubman Peace Medallion for her “tireless work in promoting peace and justice. Dr. Christine Marie’s advocacy has made a profound impact, supporting survivors and advancing the cause of human rights.”

Christine is the founder of Voices for Dignity, a nonprofit organization that promotes online kindness and compassion and that contributes resources and advocacy for marginalized populations as well as survivors of public shaming, dehumanization, and stigmatization. Through Voices for Dignity, she has been doing humanitarian work in Short Creek for the past decade.