When Naomi “Nomz” Bistline auditioned for her prison’s band, she aimed to be the guitarist. But after she began singing, they quickly decided to make her the lead vocalist. She performed Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” a cappella, and they were sold.
Initially excited, Bistline, now 27, felt a wave of anxiety about singing in front of other incarcerated women. But she realized, “Everyone here is at their lowest. There are no phones, no one to mock me. Why not go for it?”
Bistline was in a Texas prison serving a 21-month sentence for her involvement in a crime orchestrated by Sam Bateman, a leader of a splinter group from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Bateman claimed to be a prophet, much like Warren Jeffs, the imprisoned FLDS president known for his heinous crimes.
As one of Bateman’s 23 “spiritual wives,” Bistline witnessed and endured abuse within the group. After years in isolation, the Netflix docuseries Trust Me: The False Prophet brought her story to light. The series features Christine Marie, a cult expert who infiltrated Bateman’s group and helped expose the crimes.
In September 2022, Bateman was arrested, and in a twisted turn, he directed Bistline and two others to abduct minors from state custody. They were caught and returned to Arizona.
During her prison stay, Bistline began to open her eyes to the reality of her past. “I talked to other inmates who shared their life stories,” she recalls. “When I hinted about mine, they told me it wasn’t normal.”
Confronting her upbringing, she wrestled with fear and ingrained beliefs. “I was scared to challenge Sam or Warren Jeffs. I thought lightning would strike me for questioning them.”
Now, 18 months after her release, Bistline is focused on music and psychology, reclaiming her life. “Watching Naomi find herself is incredible,” Marie says. “She’s gaining independence and making her own choices.”
While Bistline has evolved, many women still devote themselves to Bateman, clinging to the remnants of his control. “Sam’s group was a cult within a cult,” Bistline explains. “While not all members are bad, the teachings they follow are deeply flawed.”
Entering the world of secular music has been a revelation for her. “Growing up, I only sang religious hymns,” she says. Now, she’s exploring artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Bruno Mars. Her early songwriting reflects her pain from captivity, evolving into “rage anthems” as she processed her emotions.
Music has become a healing tool for Bistline. “It’s my refuge,” she states. “When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to music. It’s simple and soothing.”
Currently, she’s working on her first album, capturing her emotions and experiences. She’s excited for a single and accompanying video release soon. “It feels like my secret obsession, but now I want to share it with the world,” she adds.
Despite living in Short Creek, a community of FLDS families, Bistline plans to leave soon. With her psychology degree from Mohave Community College, she aims to advocate for victims of cults and coercive relationships. “I want to give a voice to those who feel voiceless,” she shares.
The response to her story has been overwhelmingly positive. “I thought I’d face backlash, but instead, I’ve found support,” she reflects. This validation is a huge step for her and other victims, showing they have nothing to be ashamed of.
Bistline documents her journey in a diary titled “My First Time Diary,” where she records new experiences, like her first restaurant meal or theater trip. “I feel like a baby in life, just starting to emerge,” she concludes.
For more insights into abusive cult dynamics, explore the FBI’s resources on cults.
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