Deseret News | LDS seminary principal is arrested in sexual abuse

Reader comments
LDS seminary principal is arrested in sexual abuse

496 comments | Read story

Faithful | 12:08 p.m. July 11, 2009

This makes me very sad to hear about this. I just hope and pray this does not affect the youth to much and that we can all learn from this. It will be a test to us to see if we complain about the church and and point fingers as to how why and when. We need to let this blow on by and move on and just not let it affect us to badly in a negative way. This is what the adversary wants. We need to pray for the girl and for the man's family. We need to give this to the Lord and let the consequences lay where they may. This is a tragic and feel so sorry for all that is involved.

huh? | 12:11 p.m. July 11, 2009

A lot of praising going on here for the sinner, and it gives me the creeps. Where's the sense of value for righteous living?

Larry | 12:17 p.m. July 11, 2009

Looks like Brother Pratt found a Fanny Alger of his own. (Google it.)

Comments continue below

RP | 12:32 p.m. July 11, 2009

I agree with 12:04...and well said.

Hails | 12:35 p.m. July 11, 2009

Mosiah 26:31,34-36...
And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor's trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation.
And it came to pass that Alma went and judged those that had been taken in iniquity, according to the word of the Lord.
And whosoever repented of their sins and did confess them, them he did number among the people of the church.
And those that would not confess their sins and repent of their iniquity, the same were not numbered among the people of the church, and their names were blotted out!!!

Let us not Judge him, for that is the greater sin.
The whole purpose of life is to become like Christ...without sin and trials we would get no where!
Life should have no regrets, but lessons learned!
Leave this up to Bro. Pratt and the Lord, its not for us to judge... If Pratt partakes of the atonement then the only ones suffering from this will be us, those who continue judging him. Because with them it will be forgotten.

Anonymous | 12:35 p.m. July 11, 2009

Just because we know and love Pratt and are shocked by this disturbing news, it doesn't mean we are saying he didn't do it, NOR are we saying he shouldn't pay the consequences if he did this. Just so disappointed. I know he had a great spirit about him. I don't believe in any way that he planned to do this when he started his career as a CES teacher. I hate people saying we have been "duped" as his friends. I would hurt the same way if my family member did this. His family is so strong spiritually...my prayers are with you.

Lone Peak Student | 12:38 p.m. July 11, 2009

Bro Pratt helped me so much. He is friends with my aunt and uncle, he made me feel like i was the best person ever. BUT i CAN see him doing this. So many girls in his office ALL the time.. And he was flirty. My prayers go out to his family..

mark | 12:38 p.m. July 11, 2009

Sounds like this guy... | 10:15 a.m. July 11, 2009 you say:
". . . he had principles and tried to live up to them. This time he failed. That happens to everyone who has standards. . .
The alternative is to have no standards--then you never have to worry about living up to anything, or being called a "hypocrite. . . "

This guy had principles? He had standards? Maybe in some strange world that you live in this guy had standards and principles. In the world I live in a married man that pursues a relationship with an underage girl that sees him as an authority figure, a guy that has a sexual relationship with that girl, taking place over an extended time, while being in the position of a religious authority figure. This person did not even have the decency to resign his religious position. Yes, this disgusting person is a hypocrite. How did he even go home and look his family in the eye? Despicable.

By the way, even if a person has no standards it does not matter if you have to live up to anything or being called a hypocrite, you will still be charged with a crime.

Falsely Accused | 12:59 p.m. July 11, 2009

As one who was once falsely accused of similar acts, but later the young girl confessed that she had made the whole thing up so that she could convince her mother to let her drop my class - I think we need to give Mike some time before condemning him. If Mike is innocent, then he is the victum. Either way, innocent or quilty his life will forever be changed because he will probably never be allowed to teach Seminary again.

Utah Native | 1:18 p.m. July 11, 2009

I went to school with Mike and he was always an outstanding guy. What a tragic lesson to learn that even the spiritual giants among us are vulnerable to temptation. (Just think about what happened to King David and Bathsheba.) My prayers are with the teenage victim and her family and also the other victims of the ensuing media circus: Mike's poor wife and kids. The are now jobless and having to work through this humiliating trial in public eye.

Ken | 1:19 p.m. July 11, 2009

Though the article didn't say so, I presumed he confessed or something, cuz everyone is acting as though he's been found guilty.

Either way, that's one long list of charges. Ugh.

CLINTON | 1:38 p.m. July 11, 2009

PRESIDENT CLINTON was guilty of the SAME KIND OF CRIME. An older man in a position of authority taking sexual advantage of a young women.

People want MERCY FOR PRATT, yet people in UTAH continue to condem PRESIDENT CLINTON.

It seems a little strange to read comment after comment abour mercy when people who live in this state are more than eager to instantly call for JUSTICE when it does not involve one of their own.

It's no wonder people are so suspect of people who live in Utah.

anon | 1:42 p.m. July 11, 2009

When I was 16, I thought the world of my seminary teachers. They all talked so highly of their wives, and I always wanted someone like that. I was always attracted to people who seemed spiritual. I can see how it would be very confusing for the girl - her teacher who she probably looked up to who seemed so awesome... Yes, a victim.

As far as judging, I really wish the media weren't allowed to publicize things until it's confirmed. If he's innocent, why make the world know? And his poor family, even if he is guilty (which I don't really doubt), now everyone's talking on top of the struggle of what actually happened. I am glad, however, that sex-offenders are publicized for all of our protection. They should just wait until it's proven.

Remember, though, David in the Bible probably didn't seem like someone who would do what he did. People can mess up, especially if they get involved in pornography. Maybe he saw porn, but was too afraid to talk to his bishop in case it jeopardized his career? Then it lead to more and more... Guessing.

jcarteagab | 1:42 p.m. July 11, 2009

Enter comment Introduzca comentario Â¡Â¡Por Dios!! Esto no es cosa del diablo, y quien diga esto es un bobo. Las mismas hormonas del pedofilo le han traicionado y consecuentemente ha abusado continuamente de su victima. La labor del educador en todo el mundo se ve lastimada por gentes como estas. El deseo existe desde el nacimiento del ser humano y el abuso tambiÃ©n, por eso es mejor vigilar continuamente el comportamiento de los docentes, no culpemos al diablo, que este maestro no salga con la tonteria que ha sido satanas quien lo ha empujado a violar diariamente a esta menor, ha sido su irresponsabilidad y deshonestidad que debe aceptar su falta e ir a la carcel.

A high school teacher | 1:49 p.m. July 11, 2009

I teach at a high school in Utah County, and, just for the record, all it takes for a student to be checked out of our high school is for a parent (???) to call the attendance office and say that so-and-so is being checked out. The attendance office doesn't have time to grill the person on the phone to find out if they're really the parent. Trust me, kids often get checked out by their friends. Occasionally, if there is reason to be suspicious, the attendance lady will call home to see if the call is legit. That's the way it is at our high school in the Alpine School District. So Michael Pratt could easily have checked her out from school.

Anonymous | 1:59 p.m. July 11, 2009

To the poster who commented on those people who are gifted with a great personality, and are affable and very likeable, I can only second your comments. So true. If a person has a mind to do so, he/she can abuse that gift to coerce and entice people. About 3 years ago I visited a ward on Mother's Day where Michael Pratt was asked to speak to the sisters in Relief Society on that day. My impression then was that, yes, he was "good" in an entertaining sort of way, but mostly his talk involved a lot of showmanship. I remember thinking as I left that I did not feel much of the Spirit.

Joe | 2:02 p.m. July 11, 2009

If Brother Pratt had claimed his actions were commanded by God, his actions would have beeen indistinguishable from those of Joseph Smith. Just thought I'd point that out.

anonymous | 2:07 p.m. July 11, 2009

Was this guy kin to Orson Pratt? By the way, Im glad they finally caught this guy! How many other young girls out there has he done this to?
My condolenses to his wife and children.

the article said... | 2:10 p.m. July 11, 2009

that the two parties were 'consensual'.
Every story has two sides...sadly, no one is perfect.

To all non-member of LDS church: | 2:13 p.m. July 11, 2009

Please don't take all the "the devil made him do it" comments, and "don't judge him! he's okay!" comments to be the standard view of "Mormons." Those are from more radical weird-thinking Mormons. Unfortunately, they are often the loud ones. I can see how it drives you all crazy, but I don't think it's the standard view of members of our church. I think most of us would agree that all guilty criminals, seminary teacher or not, should be locked up. And Satan doesn't "make" us do anything.

Ann | 2:20 p.m. July 11, 2009

Utah Native said, “What a tragic lesson to learn that even the spiritual giants among us are vulnerable to temptation.”

A spiritual giant does not seduce young teens.

Re: Clinton | 2:22 p.m. July 11, 2009

I don't see anyone asking for leniency on here for Pratt. I do read many comments saying "let's get more facts" but I think the consensus is that the full measure of the law should be carried out here.

It is sad to see Clinton, Pratt, anyone mess up their lives.

A question or two ... | 2:31 p.m. July 11, 2009

How many people smile when they are having their picture taken and being booked into jail? Weird.
It seems like the seminary teacher's wife and the girl's parents would have become suspicious. What school allows a non-parent( or person not approved by the parent) to check-out a student. Who took care of the seminary teacher's classes when he checked out the girl? Wouldn't that person have been suspicious?
Thei is such a sad situation !

Kelob | 2:32 p.m. July 11, 2009

Scary story, I guess all LDS institutions are going to crack down more on this issue than even a month
ago, higher their precautions. Interesting.

@CLINTON | 2:37 p.m. July 11, 2009

While I see the point you are trying to prove here, it isn't anything like the same thing.

Monica Lewinsky was an adult. Plain and simple.

As for the apologists on here that somehow find a way to defend this tool by saying Satan got him, that is utter nonsense.

The guy was a horn dog and like other so called religious types in the news (and Republican Party for that matter) had complete control of his own actions. To you folks I guess all crime can be blamed on Satan. Or is only when it happens to a Mormon?

Hypocrites.

luvsjunotd | 2:37 p.m. July 11, 2009

Watching porn doesn't MAKE or turn someone into a pedophile. If that were true the majority of males in the US would be predators. You cannot blame the ills of the world on something so arbitrary. The fact of the matter remains that a man everyone thought was good turned out to be bad. Why is that so surprising? Yes, it is disappointing, but just because someone is LDS and in a position of authority doesn't mean they are a good person or even trustworthy. Parents and anyone who is an LDS adult shouldn't be so naive. That said, I hope the victim and her family can find peace and heal.

Shame | 2:39 p.m. July 11, 2009

This is an absolute embarrassment and shame to the educational church services. This Pratt guy is a real creep! Talk about ravening wolf in sheep clothing. Pratt abused his authority in the worst way. What a disgrace this lamo is! I will definitely be cautious when and if I send my daughter to seminary...scary!!!

Anonymous | 2:42 p.m. July 11, 2009

I must have missed the accusation that President Clinton fondled a 16 year old girl.

mark | 2:51 p.m. July 11, 2009

anon | 1:42 p.m. July 11, 2009 you said: " I really wish the media weren't allowed to publicize things until it's confirmed."

Who should not allow them to print things? You have heard of the first amendment, right? Besides, it has been confirmed, confirmed that he has been charged with these crimes.

CLINTON | 1:38 p.m. July 11, 2009

Clinton did not at all commit this kind of offense. Lewinsky was in her 20's. This girl is a minor.

Why is it so hard for people to understand the fact that this girl is underage and that is where the crime is. If this girl was at least 18 he would not have been charged with anything, it would be immoral, but not a crime.

KJB | 2:53 p.m. July 11, 2009

It's funny that people on these boards accuse Obama of practically being the Antichrist for being a popular Democrat who was elected president, but when a seminary teacher is accused of statutory rape with overwhelming evidence, he's apparently an amazing person who we need to forgive since Satan and pornography were responsible for tempting him.

Funny, funny, funny...

Anonymous | 3:03 p.m. July 11, 2009

oh you cant be serious.... this is nothing like what happened with clinton. he had an affair which hundreds of people do... but it wasnt with a child!!!

Anonymous | 3:04 p.m. July 11, 2009

Can you say “denial”? I’ve known him as well & can tell you there is another side to him. He is often superficial & is full of pride. I’ve seen him be great with people so long as they conform to his standards. When someone does not meet his standards he can change. There’s no doubt he had a positive affect on many people. However, he does have another side to him. Mike & his family get worshiped a lot. It just goes to show, individuals & their families shouldn’t be put on a pedestal. We are all human. It’s unfortunate to hear many defend his actions. Just because he was a seminary principal & affected a lot of lives positively does not mean he is a saint. It’s sad this has happened but come back to reality. He was seen skinny-dipping with her. The church fired him. There are detailed accounts of numerous sexual indiscretions. It wouldn’t be shocking to see other victims come forth if there are any. The last thing he needs is your sympathy. Hopefully he gets help, but he is the perpetrator. Think of the victim and his wife & kids.

Anonymous | 3:11 p.m. July 11, 2009

this is just sick

In the beginning | 3:12 p.m. July 11, 2009

“The church is perfect — the people aren’t.”

Remember, the church was begun by the imperfect.

D&C 132:62 And if he have ten virgins given unto him...he cannot commit adultery...

Kelob re: | 3:15 p.m. July 11, 2009

LDS institutions will not crack down more on this issue...they tend to usually make the victim feel as though she is somehow "broken"...then tell everyone they should forgive him of his sins, and within a short period of time he will be back amongst the brethren...they never do anything about this, but issue a statement "claiming" they are sorry for his actions and don't condone it, but as you can see frome the hundreds of posts here, the members will just blame the child...and yes she is at 16 a child, and put him right back on that pedestal he so deservingly should be punched off of.

Anonymous | 3:28 p.m. July 11, 2009

Ok seriously I am so sick of everyone saying that he is a Horrible man yes what he did. If he did it is one of the most horrible things you could ever ever do but its not like the girl is completely innocent it was a mutual feeling that they BOTH ACTED ON. I am so fed up with cases like this where they think its the grown up's fault completely and the girl walks away with no punishment with the law what so ever She Knew what she was doing. She could have stooped it just as easily and she didn't so stop calling her the Victim when she had as much to do with it as he did. He was my seminary teacher and a great friend to me but he is human and yes satin had a big hand in this but it was ultimately Both of there decision's and They should Both be punished accordingly. For the record thou as far as I know he taught at Orem High School, Orem Jr High and Lone Peak High school. My prayers go to his family and kids at this time.

Re: luvsjunotd | 3:34 p.m. July 11, 2009

Of course watching porn doesn't make someone a predator. But how many studies does it take to convince the world that watching violence increases violence, watching sex increases sex acts... Some people may get more involved in it than others, and no one can deny that some pornography encourage pedophilia. Why else would books on "how to improve sex life" say things like, "Watch an adult movie together." It's because it makes you want to do it.

Porn Made Him Rape? | 3:35 p.m. July 11, 2009

Guess what? Porn will not make a normal man in a position of authority rape/have sex with one of his students.

If the allegations are true then a weak man with no morals made a very bad choice. These comments supporting Pratt are infuriating to me. If my one of my daughters is ever in contact with a scumbag like this then God help him. I wouldn't care if it were the Prophet.

The more support I hear for this man the more I am positive that he is a predator. I had a teacher that was arrested for molesting young girls. He was the coolest teacher in the school everyone wanted to be in his class. He always had a little harem of young girls around his desk and everyone thought he was the greatest right up until they found out he was molesting children. Everything I hear about Pratt reminds me of this guy.

Re: luvsjunotd II | 3:36 p.m. July 11, 2009

But of course, watching those don't improve anything, just a side note.

Anonymous | 3:41 p.m. July 11, 2009

That we have all become a lynch mob scares me. Wasn't it only a few weeks ago that all charges were dropped against a teacher in a very similar case? Are we to assume Pratt is indeed guilty of every charge brought forth? Law enforcement and prosecutors go for the jugular and have the extremely unfair advantage of the media who LOVE this stuff. Innocent until proven guilty? Not anymore. Guilty until you fight for your innocence is more like it. For whatever mistake Pratt made, be it huge or small... or none at all, he'll pay the price for the rest of his life. This condemning attitude without knowledge of the accuser or the accused, or without the remotest trace of truth by way of a fair trial is astounding. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

An Observer | 3:41 p.m. July 11, 2009

IF Pratt has done these things there no excuse for it,

ATLEAST by the LETTER of the LAW,
AND by church laws of morality and chasity and virtue,

there is ALSO no excuse either for the girl,

she is old enough to know what she is doing,

she is old enough to know right from wrong,

according the church she is OVER the age accountability.

it wasn't too long ago people 15 or 16 were considered adults, and of marrying age.

brittany anna. | 3:44 p.m. July 11, 2009

"we all make mistakes", "its satans fault",and whatever you all have to say is BS. what he is being accused of is NOT okay. you dont just go sleep with a 16 year old and blame it on satan. well i guess he's not blaming it, but everyone else is. if he were a preist would it be the same? not even that.. if he were catholic would you all feel sympathy for him? get over it. he deserves every punishment he gets. all his charges are equal to 15-life. hahaha. lets talk about something else now.

Gabe | 3:44 p.m. July 11, 2009

It's horrific to read that some of the posters here aren't taking into account the age of the girl or dismissing it as adultery. Brother Pratt already has a wife and children. If he had loved them, he should never have done this. And the girl is only 16 years old. He is almost a 40 year old man, who has been in a position of power and authority for many years now. This is a great betrayal to all those who loved him and knew him.

Anonymous | 3:44 p.m. July 11, 2009

ya its really sad to see your own seminary teacher you once had do something like this!!! so hypocritical. its hard to beleive any one anymore!!

Anonymous | 3:49 p.m. July 11, 2009

Wow. Can't believe it. DEFINITELY innocent until proven guilty because I know him and I cannot believe he would ever do anything like that. That's insane.

Anonymous | 3:50 p.m. July 11, 2009

he was my teacher last year and i am very disgusted! i am very ashamed of him. people looked up to him and thought he was an amazing friend and teacher! so sad he hurt so many hearts!!! who to trust!!? no one anymore!!

INBREED | 3:55 p.m. July 11, 2009

Well, what else do you do when your born with half a brain? This is Utah culture and legacy. He can be lucky he's functional.

shocked | 3:57 p.m. July 11, 2009

There is just about no one that I can think of that this would have shocked me more. My prayers go out to his wife and kids.

BDP | 3:59 p.m. July 11, 2009

A thought,

Critics of the church love this type of news and like to point the guilty finger at the church rather than the alleged perpetuator of this sick crime. Member of the church or not, this is an a crime that the laws of this land will attach consequences to. This is a sad day for the two families involved and for the community.

To the critics of the church: Just as you would not judge the antient 12 apostles by what Judas did, please be wise enough to see that the act of any individual in any church or organization is done via thier agency.

There is not a finer way of life for my family than the Gospel and I know that seminary teachers have impacted my teenage kids in a very positive way.

I pray for justice, repentence, forgiveness and healing for these individuals and their families

Anonymous | 4:02 p.m. July 11, 2009

i like you. you taught me alot. you told us about your mission, and how much you loved your wife. you said you would do anything for her!!! i never knew a man who loved his wife so much besides you! what happened? how could you lie? she doesnt deserve this!

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.