Reader comments
Former first-grade teacher admits he molested children

This is indeed a sad case for the children involved and all the tears in the world cannot right the wrong that has been done. According to the many reports that I have read there is no cure for this sickness that Mr Hall has. I trust that the community can be protected from individuals such as this and a starting point would be to ensure that Mr Hall serves a life sentance. I say this thanking God that I do not suffer from the same mental problems.

So sorry for the precious children and their families. And sorrow for Mr. Hall and his family. All are suffering. The challenge for ALL parties is to make something good from this tragedy. It can be done. Our family has had an offender AND been victimzed by another. My heart breaks for all of you.

From what I have read about child sex offenders it all starts with legal adult pornagraphy. Who says it doesn't hurt anybody. I still am bothered by what happened to me as a child. It does come back to me now and then.

I can't imagine what these children went through. I have a small daughter and I would want this guy locked up for a very long time. It is a shame we can't even trust our school teachers, neighbors, or even some family members anymore with our children. And the unfortunate thing is, he was probably molested as a young child also.

A wolf in sheep's clothing.

For years he molested little children, and now he pleads guilty and weeps bitterly.

I am thankful for the person or persons that either caught him, or convinced him to report his crimes.

No excuse for child abuse.

This disgusting act has become such a huge part of our society, it is so sad...I hate to say it but I feel bad for this man. The poor children are scarred for life and I hope his sufferring comes from his remorse and regret rather than sitting in a jail cell feeling sorry for himself. How many more times do we have to hear about this horrible act...I really worry about my two children, I feel like I can't let them be independent like I was growing up. It's really too bad that the world has changed so much.

This has been a very heartbreaking tragedy. There were so many victims in this case. The small children and their families, the family of Mr. Hall, and the community. Mr. Hall had a gift to teach children. He was involved in so many events here in Riverton. Everywhere I go I think of Mr. Hall because of his community involvement. I am saddened by ALL of it. My heart goes out to these children and their families, his family, friends and to the school he worked at. I just can't help thinking over and over again what caused him to do this? What was happening in his life to make him want to do this?

Hang him.

It doesn't matter what has happened in the sex offender's life. Once we all reach adulthood, we are fully responsible for our choices, no matter what! We can't blame our unjust childhoods or the foolishness of youth anymore. Is he weeping bitterly because he cannot change the consequences of his actions?

the only way:
when were you appointed the 'giver and taker' of life? it is God and God only who can make that choice.

Satan has assuredly taken over the life of far too many people. We are doing the same thing today that existed during Noah's time. The difference; There are more than 8 righteous people on earth today.

Pornography is not a victimless issue. Everything I have read and heard tells me that these perverts started with pornography and did have the self discipline to stop and allowed themselves to continue.

I feel so sorry for the victims on both sides.

This pervert needs to placed in with the general prison population. Then he can become the prison tinkerbell.

We don't know what the "Whole Story" was? I can tell you that Law Agencies usually "SERIOUSLY OVERCHARGE" in these types of circumstances, so no body knows the "REAL" facts of the case. The man won awards for his teaching and his community service, how quick everyone forgets that fact. Of course it doesn't right is wrong or give him a license to do what he did. "Hang Him", GROW UP! Castrate Him maybe, Hang Him? He Didn't kill anybody, make the punishment fit the crime if that is your mentality, what is it, "Eye for an Eye" not "Life for an Eye". You can live the "temporal Law" or try and live the higher law, understanding, forgiveness, love, charity and repentance along with Rehabilitation. It can't be done in all cases, but it is worth a try. My heart truly goes out to those convicted of these crimes who are innocent! Imagine the Hell they go through, and how their lives are ruined because councilors plant false ideas and images in their minds. It is very sad, the whole thing.

As a survivor of sexual abuse i can tell you this. The fact that he not only was arrested and charged but that he actually confessed to these crimes will make the long and painful healing process a little easier on these children. Those of us who have had to bare the burden of not being believed and hearing the perpetrator deny his actions and then have your family believe him and blame you--it's horrific! I am so glad that these children will not have to go through this part.

Please remember to withhold judgement from Mr. Hall's family members. I have been in a situation where a family member has done something similar, and believe me- there are people out there who cannot distinguish the fact that I (and other of my family members) were not the ones who committed such acts. We had nothing to do with it whatsoever, yet I have lost 'friends' over what my relative did. People treat you differently once they know what your relative did. They keep you at a distance- they hold you from a 10-foot pole, so to speak. There is no support out there for family members of perpetrators. People say they won't judge you, but they do. You can see it in their faces, in their eyes and in their actions when they find out about your 'family secret.' Because that's just what it is- a secret that you have to live with and carry with you for fear of what people will think about you- someone who had nothing to do with it whatsoever. It's a chain you will carry around your neck forever. I plead with people out there to reach out to Mr. Hall's family.

"...it all starts with legal adult pornagraphy."

Yes, by quoting you I had to spell "pornography" with an "A". Looking at the keyboard in front of me, "a" is on the opposite end of the keyboard from "o" so I am really curious as to what "pornAgraphy" is!

Let's say I allow what I will let you have as a "typo", my question for you is "what led to pornAgraphy/pornography?" By specifying "adult" pornAgraphy/pornography that excludes any and all images, thoughts, and ideas of children doesn't it?? What you said sounds like watching a television ad for Arby's is going to cause a person to eventually go to Ruby River. There is a vast difference between the two, so please don't try and delude people into believing that a child molester got their idea from a Victoria's Secret's catalog.

While I have the opportunity i met as well share with you what I had read. Studies showed that there was actually less incidents of sex crimes among nudism practicing people!! Remmember "Prohibition", when they made alcohol "illegal"? By doing that it actuall made people want alcohol more, not less.

I'm sorry for what you went through!

My favorite TV show is, "To Catch a Predator."

Coming from the viewpoint of a family member of a perpetrator.... for those people who lash out at the perpetrator with hateful words such as "monster," "evil," "freak" and much worse words, although your words are aimed at the perpetrator, it hits their family members also and it stings. Each time we hear those words, it's like salt in an open wound. We agree that the perpetrator's acts are very wrong and very sick but it does not help AT ALL to hear mudslinging words every time you turn around. Family members of perpetrators are in a precarious situation- we find the acts just as disgusting and wrong as the rest of you yet we still love the person who committed them. It's a very hard situation to be in and it would be helpful if the general population would refrain from using hateful words. Keep them to yourself and deal with the issue or communicate about the issue in a more thoughtful manner, please.

You can't trust other people with your children, but so many people do and so things like this happen in a world where wickedness is engulfing the whole. Like the comment by "What a loser". When this guy is put into prison he will have the same done to him. Is that right? His judgement will come. As for my children they will not see the Public School System until they are much older when they can confront a person like this in a different manner. Parents know a lot more about their own children and know their learning capabilities than some stranger in a public or charter school does.

What a loser:

Interesting philosiphy. Condemn the man to sexual abuse becuase he commited sexual abuse? Didn't your mother ever teach you that two wrongs do not make a right?