Deseret News | LDS seminary principal is arrested in sexual abuse

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LDS seminary principal is arrested in sexual abuse

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Anonymous | 3:07 p.m. July 10, 2009

The church is perfect - the members aren't.

This guy made a big mistake IF it's true. I knew him, I went and graduated from Lone Peak seminary last year- I met with him a couple times, and he seems like a nice guy. It's not our place to judge him. It won't help anyone by saying bad stuff about him OR the girl. Let the law find justice, and if he is guilty then he'll have to deal with the consequences.

KF | 3:14 p.m. July 10, 2009

Wow, some of you are just in denail. If he was a public school teacher, you'd all be calling for a lynching along with putting the poor girl on a pedistal, but because he is a Seminary teacher, he is somehow above reproach and the girl is the instigator. Wow.

Refresh the article | 3:14 p.m. July 10, 2009

As a former Lone Peak student, I'm saddened by this. However, though it might be hard to believe, I think blanket "he didn't do it" statements need to be avoided. All is not well in Zion, and people need to be vigilant that they don't get into messes like these. Seminary teacher does not equal perfect. Everyone knows someone who was in a high position of trust, and betrayed that trust.

The article has been refreshed and it's looking like the evidence in this case is pretty concrete...

Comments continue below

Concerning "calling" | 3:18 p.m. July 10, 2009

God would not call anyone for the purpose of harming others. However, he does call "humans," and whether you're religious or unreligious, you are allowed your freedom to act. God does not call any man to perform heinous crimes, he calls all of us to bless one another and help one another. But as men and women, he allows us to choose.

Im so sad for this situation. I pray for Mike and his family. I pray for this girl and her family. I hope that healing will take place.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty? | 3:19 p.m. July 10, 2009

For those who criticize those who take this article at face value by saying that the guy shouldn't taken as guilty until proven so, then explain to me why his employer, the LDS church, fired him once allegations came out?

Cade | 3:19 p.m. July 10, 2009

So sad for Pratt and his family as well as the victim. Pratt forever impacted my life for the good and he taught me so many life lessons. I will never forget the lessons he taught me and all the good that he has brought to my life. There are countless number of lives that have been changed for the good from Pratt being a seminary teacher/principle.

I extend my sympathies to all that were involved and just want to say that we all make mistakes and it is unfortunate that now people will remember the negative rather than the positive. Pratt I thank you for the impact you made on my life and for all the positive things that have come of my life because you took the time with me. I hope that everyone involved will be able to work through this.

Read the article again | 3:29 p.m. July 10, 2009

Some people may say all that they would like about the police having the text messages. If they HAD the text messages then they wouldn't need to obtain a warrant to get the messages.

We all need to reserve judgement until evidence comes out. Pratt could have been a scumbag teachers tricking everyone or the girl could be demented and just exploiting an innocent teacher.

The truth will come out and I will feel sorry for whoever the victim really is.

Mike's friend | 3:34 p.m. July 10, 2009

Mike is my friend. My heart rends at this situation. I don't feel like he would have ever done anything like this, but I know that there is a baser nature to man.

Please reserve your judgment. My prayers go out to Mike and his family, and to this girl and her family.

May all parties turn to Him who mends the broken hearted.

Zulander | 3:36 p.m. July 10, 2009

Sad sad day. This guy taught my son and did an AMAZING job! He was his best teacher and helped him through lots of issues. It is truly sad but teaches us that NONE of us is immune. We must always be careful. Did he do it? Yes...text messages, all the strange meeting places, Eureka mine, Goshen ocean, who could make stuff like that up? He is at fault pure and simply. Repentance can be a long road and i hope he follows it. It goes beyond bad judgement all the way to stupidity, along with the moral issues. I would not want to be him when he has "the talk" with his wife!

STP | 3:41 p.m. July 10, 2009

This is one BAD dude...Pratt was booked into jail on suspicion of three counts of aggravated kidnapping, one count of unlawful sexual conduct with a 16-year-old, one count of aggravated forcible sexual abuse, 10 counts of forcible sodomy, one count of object rape, one count of lewdness, three counts of burglary, one count of criminal trespassing, one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and 10 counts of enticing a minor.

Anonymous | 3:42 p.m. July 10, 2009

Brother Pratt was my teacher a few years ago. I loved him, he helped me change my life and get me on the right track. He was a great friend and I looked up to him like a big brother. After I heard about this I didn't believe it until I saw it. If it's true, then I hope that he will be able to recover from his fall and salvage some part of his life. If it's false, then that would be great and I would be extremely happy. All I know is this man changed my life and not once did he hurt me or anyone that I knew. My prayers are with him and his family.

Mike | 3:44 p.m. July 10, 2009

I agree with many others here that we should wait until all of the facts are known and he has a chance to defend himself. However, it appears that he checked her out of school on multiple occassions and sent innapropriate texts to her. Even if the situation didn't go beyond this he is at fault. And please don't blame the girl. Youth cannot legally consent to sexual acts with an adult. Any adult who puts him/herself in that kind of position with a minor is to blame. My heart goes out to all involved, including the perp. If he is innocent of sexual activity, then I hope that will come out in the investigation. If not, then he still needs to be punished for checking her out of school, etc. God bless the alledged victim and her family, the alleged perp and his family, and all involved.

CES | 3:44 p.m. July 10, 2009

ought to review its policy on teachers and students interactions. What a sad thing...

anonymous | 3:48 p.m. July 10, 2009

He was my high school seminary teacher and was definitely the best one I had. I am more shocked than anyone about this. I feel bad for his family especially and hope he and the victim get help. So sad and shocking.

Satan or no | 3:51 p.m. July 10, 2009

One reason talk about Satan frustrates those of us who do not believe in such a being, is that it often seems to be used as a way of taking some of the blame off of a person. This is true even if Mormon culture is taken into account.

People would rather say, "This couldn't have possibly been such-and-such's idea. They are such a good person. There is no way that such an idea formulated within that person's mind. It must have been Satan putting that thought there." Than say, "Wow, he always seemed like such a good person, but I guess you never know what's going on in the mind of another person."

I bet some of the worst mass murderers in human history were pretty nice in a social setting.

anon | 3:52 p.m. July 10, 2009

My prayers and heart goes out to his AWEsome wife and children. They SO do not deserve all of this. He is innocent until proven guilty. Sad if it is true.

Anonymous | 3:57 p.m. July 10, 2009

funny that oftentimes on this website, I see commenters go for the jugular of non-LDS people that they just disagree with, and have never even committed a crime, yet when it's one of the brethren that actually IS arrested for something, or broken the law, many write that they don't believe it, say he was an amazing man, and blame the victim. hypocrisy at its finest....

to wondering | 3:57 p.m. July 10, 2009

the kidnapping would come if he took her anywhere without her parents knoledge, since she is underage, plus how the law is written sodomy with an underage person is forcible. a way to make the sentences of pedophiles stricter.

Anonymous | 3:58 p.m. July 10, 2009

This is so sad. I hope the accusations are not true, but I pray for everyone involved and hope that someday there will be repentance and forgiveness.

Agree with "Quick to Judge" | 3:59 p.m. July 10, 2009

"Quick to Judge" is one of the few here who has shown some thoughtfulness and perspective. Yes, even a good man who aspires to high morals can make a choice that leads down a slippery slope. We don't want to admit that he may have had goodness in him because deep down we know that any one of us is capable of such a thing were we to give in to the baser side of our natures.

What a terrible tragedy when someone who has accomplished much good does something that causes all that he is and ever has been to be called into question. And while it is unfair that his choices should also reflect upon the institution he represented, it is nevertheless to be expected; especially from those who are looking for fault.

While we shouldn't judge, how can we do anything but react in horror to something like this? One cannot expect that people will not comment or react. And given the lengthy list of allegations, one can certainly say with come confidence that it is highly unlikely that Pratt will be found innocent.

ANON | 4:03 p.m. July 10, 2009

So quick to judge. He and the girl are both going to have to pay an unspeakable price regardless if the allegations are true are not. Already condemned in some eyes it appears. Sad for all involved.

John | 4:05 p.m. July 10, 2009

To all those who have said such rude things about the situation, the girl, and the teacher. I have only this to say. Every single one of us have temptations... EVERY ONE. So stop making it sound like the people in this situation are evil and you are perfect. STOP IT. This is an extremely terrible thing that happened, I believe he gets what he deserves, but how dare any of us make it sound like we are perfect and both of them should be burned at the stake. This is ridiculous. Wake up.

Anonymous | 4:06 p.m. July 10, 2009

I have always looked up to Bro Pratt. I can't believe he would ever dream of doing something like this. Until an official decision is made with sufficient evidence, I can't believe he would do this. I will be following this story closely. Absolutely shocking.

Annonymous | 4:07 p.m. July 10, 2009

Really?? Can I really believe this? Mike was my husband's mentor in the seminary training program and we knew him to be one of the most amazing people we have ever met. If this story is true, obviously we were greatly misled. BUT I agree, innocent until proven guilty, our prayers go out to this girl, her family, and the Pratt family, no matter what turns out to be the truth.

Anonymous | 5:19 p.m. July 10, 2009

Mike's Friends have said exactly how I have felt!
Brother Pratt helped me to heal after the tragic death of my friend several years ago. My heart aches for the situation, but I am still grateful for that help that he gave me and so many others when we needed support during a hard time in our lives.

I am grateful that I am not in a place to judge.

Let he who is without sin, first cast a stone at him.

elphiedork8 | 5:23 p.m. July 10, 2009

I know this man and his wife and kids. I have known him for years and years. Our friendship is strong and I do not believe this accusation is completely accurate. All of you sit back and read this initial report and jump so quickly to the judgment seat, calling him despicable, canniving, predator, and all sorts of other things. If the police have all the information they claim to have, don't you think they would have found SOMETHING about other incidents?? There are facts missing. The police even know this. As it is, those of you being so accusatory are acting as self-righteous, self-proclaimed haters. Quit all your judgments and wait until the conviction. Then have at him.

Daniel | 5:26 p.m. July 10, 2009

Innocent till proven guilty!!!

Anonymous | 5:28 p.m. July 10, 2009

Obviously, if he did it, he should pay the maximum penalty (as should the girl if she was complicit), but as I said, an accusation does not equal reality.

Anonymous | 5:28 p.m. July 10, 2009

As grevious as this incidence was perhaps Bro. Pratt
still needs a friend or two. No one likes to see anything like this happen. There is still forgiveness to consider even though Bro. Pratt must answer for his actions. Mercy must not rob justice here.
When the girl was alone with Bro. Pratt, wasn't the red flag already raised? Could she have gotten out of there long before the canyon? I believe that there is some extensive counseling to be done with priesthood leaders. May the Lord spirit with everyone
involved.

It's a Given | 5:30 p.m. July 10, 2009

In this life there are few certainties, one you can count on is a Scandal of this type in Utah County.

PDX | 5:30 p.m. July 10, 2009

This just goes to show that we're now a culture of "guilty until proven innocent."

Judge Not .... | 5:32 p.m. July 10, 2009

Really need to be slow to judge on this one - even if Pratt is guilty. Bad thing happen in a hurry to people every day and it is not for us to judge - only the Savior can do that. The laws of the land and resultant punishment will be rightly applied to Pratt which may include prison and he along with many others will suffer for a long long time because of his actions however the Saviors attonement covers all sins if we repent fully and the same is true for Pratt.

Christina | 5:34 p.m. July 10, 2009

I had brother Pratt at Viewmont many years ago. He was a wonderful man. I am crying many tears over this. For this young girl and for the Pratt Family. This is a far cry from the Brother Pratt I knew and loved. He was a Man I looked up to and resepcted even to this day. I'm in shock to say the least! My thoughts and Prayers are with all who are affected by this. I hope brother Pratt will get the much needed help he needs. Aswell as this poor young girl he took advantage of... :(

It is..... | 5:36 p.m. July 10, 2009

time to tell Seminary Teachers that they are not Counselors and stress to them too that to be a friend to their students is just that and not to have any emotional attachment at all to the students. Help them in the classroom when there are other people around but after the business hours are over, it's over. It's time to be with the family.

BT2001 | 5:40 p.m. July 10, 2009

I had Brother Pratt as a seminary teacher and I believe that he truly is a good man. We can't forget that good people can make extremely bad decisions. If he is guilty of these accusations, which he very well might be based on the reports, he needs to stand accountable and fully face all of the consequences of his actions. I still believe that there is a part of him that is good, but if he is guilty of these crimes, there is also a part of him that is poisoned, imprisoned, and disturbed.

Christina | 5:41 p.m. July 10, 2009

We all make mastakes and I don't know what to make of all this. If Bro. P. did this I will be sad. I knew him well and I just can't see him doing such things he is a great man...

how can that happen!? | 5:42 p.m. July 10, 2009

even good people can fall that easily...how sad

Anonymous | 5:43 p.m. July 10, 2009

Whoa, this is crazy. He was my seminary teacher three years ago. Nuts.

DD | 5:53 p.m. July 10, 2009

Assuming the charges are truthful, he has done a lot of damage to the reputation of the church, particularly for non members he encountered while teaching.

Even if "nothing happened" (highly doubtful), he must have missed the lessons on avoiding even the appearance of evil by developing such a close relationship with a student and checking her out of school.

Anonymous | 6:01 p.m. July 10, 2009

I have known Mike for many years. What's important is what he has done for others while he was teaching seminary at the very beginning.
Satan is real and we allow satan to tempt us,Its up to us in how we choose our agency. We all make mistakes, some are worse then others. My heart goes out his family and the victims family.

You Don't Know Him | 6:04 p.m. July 10, 2009

You thought you knew Pratt, obviously you didn't.

100's of sexually explicit text messages?

Twenty-one year age difference between Pratt and his victim. He a teacher--a religious teacher--she a student.

Is there anybody left standing on the "pedestal?"

Anonymous | 6:06 p.m. July 10, 2009

To "DD"---
"Assuming the charges are truthful"?????????????

No, DD, in America we presume he is innocent. We have this Constitution, you see. It's a good thing you're not a judge or on a jury.

Orem High Alum | 6:09 p.m. July 10, 2009

I've known Mike since junior high school. He is one of the nicest, most down to earth guys I have known. Unfortunately that doesn't preclude him from making some big mistakes.

I HOPE this turns out to be false charges, but my gut and the evidence that has been reported so far make that highly unlikely. There is no reason for a teacher to be texting a student, period!

As sad as it is, usually in these situations where there is smoke there is fire, and I see plenty of smoke billowing on this one. There is no good that can come from any of this. Talk about a lose/lose situation.

Innocent | 6:09 p.m. July 10, 2009

this isn't him at all, he taught me in high school only 3 years ago, he wouldn't even give students a hug. said it wasn't proper. he was the best teacher i ever have and i learned more about the gospel in that one semester than in years of sunday school. Brother pratt is my hero.I believe that he is innocent. I also think everybody should stop with the condemnation of a man. haven't you ever heard of people on death row being proved innocent! leave him alone!!!

Look in the mirror | 6:12 p.m. July 10, 2009

Guess what everyone, none of us are perfect! Some of us are just caught for what we do and others go free. The law is the law and none of us can escape it. It doesn't matter if we are LDS, Catholic, or Atheist, your actions will catch up with you sooner or later. Right now everyone is pointing fingers and calling down fire and damnation, but the truth is all of us have done something. Before you start pointing fingers, look in the mirror!! Hypocrites, Liars, and Cheats ALL OF US!! I DO NOT support what Brother Pratt has done, but I value him as a person. When I knew him he did a lot of great things. He does need help and I hope that he gets it. Lets attack the behavior and not the person. This is not the Dark Ages!!! Are we still going on witch hunts!?!? Let's leave the barbaric ideas and bandwagons behind and help people instead of burning them at the stake!! Nothing will every get better until people start taking responsibility for themselves and fixing society instead of feeding the flames of insecurity, backbiting, and bigotry!

JoyOfAtonement | 6:15 p.m. July 10, 2009

Love the Sinner. Hate the Sin.

Only one person who was perfect in this World, and he was the only begotten Christ. He was the only one with the Human Trait from his mother Mary and God Trait from his Father God.

He was the only one who had both traits that could PAY for All human Sins.

We do not pay for our sins. Madoff cannot pay the money back he stole and Brother Pratt cannot pay for this.

Justice and Mercy must be extended to all. Other wise we would all be in prison.

Punishment will be dealt in this case just like it will for all of us.

Let us praise them for the good they did and encourage them through the repentance process.

If there was no REHAB (Repentance) we would never get out of prison.

Thank the Lord for the Atonement.

God bless them all at this time with the energy to refocus on the good of life and to make the changes they need.

God bless all involved that they may once again have joy restored to them in time.

Impressed | 6:17 p.m. July 10, 2009

Very impressed to hear so many young people that Mr. Pratt helped acknowledge what he did for them and how much they respect him. Rather than throw him to the wolves because he might have fallen. He was there for you in your darkest hour and its refreshing to see you are there for him in his darkest hour. You've restored my faith in the younger generation.

True | 6:19 p.m. July 10, 2009

Hopefully we are all learning and trying a little harder to be a little better.

What the What? | 6:19 p.m. July 10, 2009

I had Michael Pratt as a seminary teacher in 10th grade--13 years ago. He made seminary fun and exciting and really had a positive impact on my life. I'm shocked and really sad that this has happened. I feel really bad for his wife and kids, and obviously for the 16 year old and her family. When this kind of thing happens it is always sad, especially when it's done by a person with so much trust like a seminary principal.

Anonymous | 6:24 p.m. July 10, 2009

michael pratt was a fantastic seminary teacher and taught many great and inspiring lessons. One story in the bible that has spoken to me is of the woman who commited adultry and is brought before Christ. The mob asks Him what should be done about the woman. He replies them saying, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." I know what pratt did was horribly wrong and I'm not trying to justify him, but not one of us is perfect, so if you're reading this and deciding to write condemning words about br. pratt, I ask you to think twice...

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