Deseret News | Actor in LDS-themed films booked for theft

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Actor in LDS-themed films booked for theft

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Ironic | 6:24 a.m. July 17, 2008

It is more than ironic when people claim "this is not news." If it is not news, why did you read the article? Not only did you read the article (it was at least interesting enough for YOU to read) but you COMMENTED on it. Two sure signs that it was not newsworthy...

Do you see how that makes your "it is not news" comments look foolish?

Evidence? Judgment? | 7:08 a.m. July 17, 2008

Rediculous article and comments - the only news was that he was arrested under suspicion of theft and he posted bail. Whether or not he took the computer is still in question and the article gives very little evidence.

On top of it, his arrest should have no more bearing on the reputation of movies made for and about LDS society than on the church itself. Because he's male, does that mean his arrest is a black eye for all men? I noticed he's white, many of the people posting probably also beleive its a 'black eye' for all caucasions. Those in this line of reasoning likely feel he is a 'black eye' to all actors, Utahns, Anglophones, Americans, bipeds, mammels, etc. "Hey, maybe stole a computer, maybe not, but certainly a blight on all humanity" seems to be the mantra of most of the posts on this blog. Craziness.

jwr | 8:05 a.m. July 17, 2008

We have a sick society when we now report a person religion when he commits a crime, then again was it a real crime or a media blitz for news? Admittedly we expect more from people of the LDS faith since they have been so condemming and intolerant of others. Sad that religion even comes into play, and hey they didn't mention his political affiliation, why not? Reality neither religion nor politics belong in the arena of this action

Comments continue below

Guy | 8:20 a.m. July 17, 2008

LDS or not, this story is completely bizarre. It could easily be featured on The World's Dumbest Criminals, next to the robbers who answer the cell phone in the car they just stole. Birkeland steals a computer that has a Skype account and camera. He then apparently answers a call from the computer's owner on Skype and looks at the camera before covering it up. Doh! Idiot!

Mike | 8:36 a.m. July 17, 2008

Just for laughs, check out the Utah County Jail web site for the booking photos. Nice wife beater he is wearing for the picture from this incident.

Scott | 9:05 a.m. July 17, 2008

On a positive note, Mike, it looks like he lost 15 lbs. since his first booking photo last year. Inspiration for us all.

Hmmmm | 9:07 a.m. July 17, 2008

OK - Am I lame? I get that feeling. Singles Ward is one of my favorite shows. It signifies how someone goes through trials, finds himself and makes the necessary changes to be happy again. (Spirituality isn't about not having fun - it's about finding happiness - in my opinion) Great example of many lives, mine included. So based on everyone else's comments (for the most part) I have very poor taste in movies - oh well!

That being said, I feel for this guy. Poor decisions put him in a light I'm sure he didn't intend. I had a very wise bishop council me when I was a very young soon to be unmarried mother - Everyone in this ward has something they have done wrong - Theirs just isn't invisible. But God sees all sins, visible to everyone else or not.

I don't know this guy's reasons - but it isn't my place to judge - how does it go? Oh yeah - "Judge not that ye be not judged." From the BIBLE - not the Book of Mormon - so please don't interpret that as another "problem" with being a member of the LDS church. :)

Ha!! | 9:10 a.m. July 17, 2008

Go to the utah County Jail website and you'll seethis isn't his first time in trouble.

RE: Screen Age @9:51 July 16 | 9:28 a.m. July 17, 2008

Screen Age, spot on. Most LDS filmmakers also revel in shallow stereotypes and gag humor rather than trying to produce psychological insight and thoughtful commentary. I can barely watch "Singles Ward," "The RM," "The Home Teachers," etc. without cringing. Sheesh, even "Charly" was a step up by comparison! Fortunately, a good friend wouldn't let me see the dreadful "Book of Mormon movie," lest it send me into apoplectic shock.

LDS filmmakers can do better. MUCH better. (Not to mention the actors in them, as this story makes clear!) :) Too bad that Richard Dutcher, one of the bright exceptions, is no longer involved.

At least "The Other Side of Heaven" wasn't bad, though. Maybe there's hope.

Re: Mark | 9:53 a.m. July 17, 2008

I think you mean "goodbye LDS church MEMBERS" not "goodbuy LDS church." I agree that some of the members think they are just about ready for translation. However, this thinking is the fault of the member, not the church or its doctrine which teaches them to be humble (although they don't seem to get it). Also, you should realize that this does not characterize all members of the LDS church.

TO: BOB | 10:29 a.m. July 17, 2008

Nice take brother!

Brent | 10:36 a.m. July 17, 2008

RE: Screen Age Et Al..

I had high expectations, but sadly the "Book of Mormon Movie" was like having an animated scripture video acted out by real people. It basically blew the chance for anyone else later on to do anything like it on a more serious level.

Re-Bob | 10:48 a.m. July 17, 2008

YOU are judging all "mormons" and "non-mormons" --duh!

Raymond Takashi Swenson | 11:43 a.m. July 17, 2008

As a former prosecutor, the failings of people are not news to me. We certainly cannot judge someone, in positive or negative terms, based on a couple of hours of their lives spent acting a fictional role. Robert Downey Jr. had made a total mess of his life, a lot of it in orange jumpsuits, before turning it around and becoming a new success with "Iron Man."

I have seen one non-commercial short film that Mr. Birkeland acted in which was non-comical and touching. Ironically, "The Home Teachers" included as part of its story that Birkeland's straitlaced home teaching companion was the one who had a secret life filled with anguish.

What I find amazing is that someone whose face is familiar to thousands of people in the area would pull something like this.

He's not LDS | 12:01 p.m. July 17, 2008

Why is everyone freaking about the LDS connection? Michael Birkeland is not LDS. Neither is Will Swensen from Singles Ward. Most of the actors who make LDS movies are NOT LDS. Listen to the interviews. Not that it matters anyway. People from all religions (and non-religions for that matter) make mistakes. But since it has become an issue here...I just wanted to point that out.

D Man | 12:32 p.m. July 17, 2008

If you guys don't think this is newsworthy, then why the heck are you all commenting on it? Get out of here.

A Confession | 12:36 p.m. July 17, 2008

Unlike M. Birkeland, who apparently isn't LDS, I am. Also I have made some mistakes in my life, some of them worse than stealing a laptop & then returning it (if he did it).

I'm just glad that I am not "famous" so people don't have to get huffy about how terrible the mormons are.

Let's all read the 4th article of faith. I understand that we believe in repentance. I for one can't afford to be casting stones at anybody.

Barbara | 12:41 p.m. July 17, 2008

People! Please learn how to spell!!!!!

LOL | 12:47 p.m. July 17, 2008

What an idiot!! Got caught from the computer camera while on SKYPE! HA HA HA Ha

To : He's not LDS 12:01pm | 1:20 p.m. July 17, 2008

I know for a fact Mike is LDS. I was his ward and was home teacher in Salt Lake City. My wife and his wife were really good friends and Mike and his wife were the only people in the our ward that went out of there way to fellowship us. I became great friends with Mike and found him to be as genuine as anybody. Mike was also the Gospel Doctrine Teacher for the first month we were in the ward.

Don't just declare someone isn't a member when you have no first hand knowledge of the facts. I feel really bad that he is having a rough time in his life, but making bad choices does not automatically make someone a 'non-member'.

TO BOB | 1:28 p.m. July 17, 2008

Thanks for saying what I was thinking, Bob.

Re: he's not LDS | 1:46 p.m. July 17, 2008

Just to help you be more informed, Michael WAS LDS, he is not anymore. He was excommunicated earlier for choices he made in his life not related to this theft. He may have put up a good front to make people think he was a good person, but he is, afterall, an actor. His choices have caused a lot of heartache for a lot of people.

Frank | 1:55 p.m. July 17, 2008

This definitly is news. Probably the only thing I'll remember from todays news other than the Sloan thing.

But these comments are ridiculous. Man steals laptop and then picks up a laptop phone call with the webcam on, come on. Thats hilarious.

Who he is, what he was in, whats his religion, favorite color, what he ate, favorite band, shoe size, none of that matters one bit.

yeah | 1:56 p.m. July 17, 2008

This is scandalous....how did a UVU teacher afford a 2000 dollar laptop?

Anonymous | 2:10 p.m. July 17, 2008

When you find and book him, tell him I want my $15.99 back for "The Singles Ward", and "The Hometeachers."

uh-hu | 3:10 p.m. July 17, 2008

Anyone who bases their opinion on an issue of morality or truth on the actions and/or comments of other people is asking for trouble.

This is what sets the LDS church apart. Personal Revelation, people. This guy's poor decision making does not effect my right and ability to know and do Gods will in the slightest. The truth of the Gospel message does not change because we are often to weak to listen to or follow it. And if you refuse to listen to the Lord because someone else is stupid, that'll make two of you.

John Lambert | 4:17 p.m. July 17, 2008

To Mark,
The church in the 19th century excommunicated people for a lot more things than they do now.
I will leave it to you to dig up some things that people were ecommunicated for during the presidency of Joseph Smith. However I am pretty sure that you can find at least one person whose offense was being a Melchezidek Priethood holder who had not been to church in six years.
Actually I think "failure to attend to his duties as a melchezidek priesthood holder" was at times listed as a reason for excommunication long before someone had reached the point of not being at church for six years straight.

John Lambert | 4:27 p.m. July 17, 2008

To A-Man,
I think your best point was about kissing another woman. However I do not think most church members have stolen anything, and definantly not $2000 laptops.
I also think you at least have to admit that people see acting in commercials as different than acting in movies and plays. Maybe it is not, but at least admit that is our gut reaction and explain why this view is misplaced, don't just treat us like simpletons for holding it.
We at least feel that acting in movies and plays is meant to convey deep truths or entertain or something like that whereas commercials just aim to get us to buy something, and so any action in a commercial is more promotional than in a movie.
Instead of mocking us for not being mad because Kirby appears to smoke in Saints and Soldiers but being mad that Kirby was in a beer commercial where he does not even appear to drink, try to understand why I feel completely ok with myself denouncing the second which I have not seen and tolerating the first which I did see.

John Lambert | 4:34 p.m. July 17, 2008

To Lynn,
I do not that a church member in jail or prison is not allowed to partake of the sacrament. I also know that someone may not be baptized if they are currently on probation or parole with the law.
However, is anyone sure Birkeland is a member? The article never says he is and if he is not a member than the church can not excommunicate him.
One thing people fail to realize is that one thing that is considered in church disciplinary councils is how repentant and contrite a person is about what they have done.
If Birkeland is a member, and he were brought to a church disciplinary council and when asked said he would steal the next unattended laptop he saw, than his likelihood of being excommunicated would be a lot higher than if he said he was not going to steal in the future.
However, he has not even been convicted of the crime, just charged, so there are a whole range of unknowns.

John Lambert | 4:42 p.m. July 17, 2008

To jwr,
It never said what religion Mr. Birkeland was in the article.
All it said was that he had been in movies with an LDS theme.
I also think some people are ignoring chronilogical order here. If it turned out a man who had been convicted theft in the past had been a lead character in some LDS themed movies than that would seem to be a bigger blight on them than the fact that someone who did play in such movies was LATTER arrested.
Another thought, does it detract from "The Other Side of Heaven" that the actress who played the female lead has since been involved in basically pornographic roles? It may to some people, but I think it would have been much worse if they had highered an actress who had already been in multiple movies where she had apeared topless.

John Lambert | 4:51 p.m. July 17, 2008

To He's not LDS,
I can not say if you are right about Michael Birkeland.
I also can not say 100% that Will Swenson is currently LDS, however I can say that he served a mission in Ecuador and so was at one point LDS.

John Lambert | 4:56 p.m. July 17, 2008

Assuming what the 1:46 commentator says is true, which I doubt someone would state unless they knew what they were saying, than I think Mark has been proved wrong, and his theory that Hardy got harsh treatment where other people do not is at least in this case just a bunch of hot air.
I think it also illustrates another fact about the whole Hardy case. He does seem to have been seeking publicity. He changed an event that even for people who are widely known in the church can often go unpublicized into a media publicity fest.

Danite 73 | 4:58 p.m. July 17, 2008

The LDS Church in smack dab in the middle of an "Image War." I blame Warren Jeffs the most. The guy who made the Calendar is not helping the situation, and this actor is of course not helping matters either. I think we as members need to take a hard look on how we want to be preceieved. I don't know about you but I really get offended whenever I see a Deseret First Credit Union TV or Radio spot. It plays into every Mormon sterotype out there.

I watch rated R movies, I swear on the freeway, I wear a blue shirt on Sundays, I love the smell of coffee and I wish I could have a cup. But you know what? I have a temple recomend, I can look myself in the eye and know I am human. I am just sick of the facade that many put on to maintain some false milk-toast image. Let's just be good people, so when someone may see you they might consider Mormonism as an option.

JT | 5:04 p.m. July 17, 2008

Meh. Every time someone from the LDS is excommunicated, it makes FoxNews.com front page. I look at Jared Hess, an active LDS guy who just makes movies about people (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre). Local filmmakers should follow his example than bank on these lame LDS-themed movies that all are required to feature 2 of the 3 in Kirby Heybourne, Mike Birkeland and Scott Christopher. I look at active LDS authors who just happen to write good books (Orson Scott Card, Stephanie Meyer, Brandon Sanderson). Very few active LDS actors though. Jon Heder, Rick Schroeder... and that's about it. Aaron Eckhart hasn't denounced the church yet. Ryan Gosling, Katherine Heigl, Amy Adams, etc., all left though.

You watch, though. Richard Dutcher will get all the R-rated movies out of his system he wants to make, funding permitting, and then like Oliver Cowdery, in the winter of his life, he'll come back. At least that's what I got from his 2007 statement.

Anonymous | 5:21 p.m. July 17, 2008

next thing you know he will be doing miller lite commercials

Mark | 6:30 p.m. July 17, 2008

Well, it appears that many people are still reading and commenting on this page. To all of you who have responded to my poorly written remark, I thank you. I am unsure right now, what to do with the church. I am discouraged by the excommunication of someone like Chad Hardy, who his State President stated to the AP, that the reason for his council was the calender. I don't understand who that can merit the harsh punishment that he received. Hardy has already admitted that he was inactive and holds no ill-will towards the church. I just think that if his leaders were concerned about him and his repentance that they would have kept him in the fold. I just wander how much pressure was put on this S.P. by the powers that be in the Church Office Building. I know that the Church takes its image seriously, and rightly they should. Especially right now with the FLDS doing more damage to the church than Ed Decker could ever dream of doing.

mom of 3 boys | 6:40 p.m. July 17, 2008

I agree with Bob. I knew Michael many years ago in a married student ward. He was a fun loving guy. He has made a bad choice and will have to pay the consequences. Everyone needs to get off their soapboxes and quit throwing around the "excommunication", "discipline" bit. It is between Michael and the Lord and his Bishop. The rest of us should butt out!

Mark | 6:46 p.m. July 17, 2008

Continuing my thesis here...

To John Lambert, If I remember right, I have not spoken with my Priesthood leaders. I've done nothing wrong. I am not like so many friends and family members of mine who change their beliefs to fit into their lives and lifestyles. Even now, Joseph Smith is someone who I greatly admire. I do have questions about him, but none that make me question his honesty or character. ..

I do have questions and serious doubts of the way things are being handled today in the church. I do not know what I'll do, only that whatever I do, I want to be true to myself.

To Lynn, I don't believe that I'm looking for an excuse to leave the church, to be truthful, I really am looking for a reason to stay. To your anti-mormon remark, I believe that anti-mormons, especially those who make their living off of being anit's are the vermin of the earth. I have no respect for these people, and no desire to be one.

I am converted to the Gospel, I'm just not converted to the Church. That is why staying of leaving is such a hard choice.

oscar | 6:44 p.m. July 17, 2008

don't steal again or lie

Idea! | 7:42 p.m. July 17, 2008

>Some people would sell there own daugters to get into the news.

Wait...you can do that?!?!

K | 9:44 p.m. July 17, 2008

Someone can't be baptized if they are on parole or probation? The sacrament is withheld from prisoners?

Strange notion to me. They can't repent and partake of the sacrament until after they get out. Wouldn't it be helpful to them on the inside? Didn't John the Baptist baptize sinners. Wouldn't someone on parole be a sinner equal to and in need of baptism as much as a law abiding citizen in good standing with the law?

Not-Surprised | 9:50 p.m. July 17, 2008

to all the members complaining about the reporting of his faith in the news. This is nothing new or unusual for Church Members. so Instead of complaing I have a simple suggestion to all Members of the Church. DON'T Break the Law. If you do then be accountbale.

I am a member but I am tired of members crying for not being treated fairly. We set ourselves aprt from the world so do not be shocked when the world also sets us apart.

Deseret News is at fault. | 11:06 p.m. July 17, 2008

What a stupid story to print, my goodness, why doesn't DN just go to all the courts and write up a story about every crime. The bail was $3,000, so please DN be fair, any crimes that are committed which have a bail of $3,000 or more, you need to report on it and make sure you find out if they are Mormon, Catholic, Jew, Baptist or whatever, or if they have pretended to be. Maybe this is a green reporter and they give them bottom of the barrel stories, I don't blame the writer as much as the editor for a story that really has no meaning. Maybe DN really liked all the controversy about the missionary calender and thought, oh good, we can now cause another contention. If that is what they are wanting to do, then I personally would have to compare them to the likes of TMZ. Don't forget DN, you are a LDS church related paper, don't go gutter on us by reporting stupid things.

Mot Logged In | 1:37 a.m. July 18, 2008

I don't think the films are LDS.

They are inantimate objects, therefore no soul.

How many of these themed films were baptized?

Do themed film hold the priesthood too?

Can they get a Temple Recommend?

Nope, I do not think Themed Films can be LDS.

This story is very misleading.

re:Mark | 1:43 a.m. July 18, 2008

This is a great move by Michael Birkeland.

Now, maybe with a rap sheet he has enough street cred to be cast in a real movie.

Chad Hardy's SP didn't give the reason for the X.

Chad Hardy was HAPPY with the outcome.

Why again do you care???

Tyson | 1:47 a.m. July 18, 2008

I personally know Michael B. Two points I would like to make. One YES he is LDS. What does it matter though? Everyone makes mistakes and nobody is perfect. Two, we are in the United States of America where people are presumed innocent until proven beyond reasonable doubt to be guilty. The facts of this case are very vague. All we have is a few things that have been stated by a victim. We have little to nothing as far as evidence goes found by the investigating police authority. We have no statement made by any defense or Michael B. himself. This is a very one sided story to slander someone who might have a little fame. This was a terrible story!!!

Ryan Tuttle | 7:37 a.m. July 18, 2008

It really is amazing to see these comments from people who say the belong to God's true church. They are cruel, and extremely un-Christian like. But I guess hiding behind the anonymity of an online moniker means anything goes.

ben | 8:23 a.m. July 18, 2008

i can hear it now. I've been robbed of my privacy. Why did this get reported in the paper? Why does my bishop now have to know? This could really affect my career in LDS themed films!!!
Get over it. It is just a criminal offence that will probably stay on your record for the rest of your life.
It will be on every job application you fill out and every rent application you fill out. Don't worry. Your life is over. Your toast dude.

RE: Ryan Tuttle | 8:28 a.m. July 18, 2008

Ryan--careful not to paint everyone with the same brush! We're not in Sunday School here--the discussion's taking place between members at various stages of life and at varying levels of commitment and activity.

Some posts are obviously from anti-Mormon sources as well--and you know as well as I do that an enterprising anti-Mormon or two could certainly pose as a church member on this FULLY ANONYMOUS comment board.

That's helpful to keep in mind!

dude | 8:30 a.m. July 18, 2008

hey dude who stole my laptop. yo everyone feels like they are entitled to some freebies every now and then..especially actors. Lets look at this.
1. he thought he was at the sundance film festival and this was part of his gift bag.
2. He thought he was being filmed for a new non mormon movie..
3. He knew these were local movies and nobody would recognize him.
4. he was just borrowing it.
5. so what if your missing your apple.
6. if more people bought his movies, this would have never happened.
7. he wanted to compete with calender man with a church court letter.
8. He doesn't want to be mormon anymore. NO i mean he doesn't want to be honest any more.
9. Can't we just sweep this under the carpet?
10. Can't he just drop the charges. I've learned my lesson.

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