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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Blake Hopper | 9:34 a.m. July 11, 2009

I think it's wrong to judge someone of sinful acts, when, in actuality, none of us are without sin. The Lord does not condemn, and neither should we. Think of the woman who committed adultery brought before Jesus. He made the statement to the Pharisees, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." He told the woman He did not condemn her. He did not immediately forgive her, for that takes time. I still love Bro. Pratt like a brother, no matter what he does. Just as the Savior loves each one of us as, even though we may be the vilest of sinners. So I make the statement, "he that is without sin, let him condemn this man."

John Pack Lambert | 9:35 a.m. July 11, 2009

to the 2:35 commentator,
Who are you calling a pedophile? While I do believe Mr. Pratt is guilty of a crime, there is no reason to call him a pedophile. Pedophiles are people who have sex with children who have not reached puberty.
It is clearly from the article that this girl was passed puberty.
On other issues, while some of the charges are probably not more fully explicated because that would be more graphic than the paper feels neccesary, the kidnapping charge would probably just relate to Mr. Pratt taking the girl out of high school without parental permission.

tidaho | 9:40 a.m. July 11, 2009

It's completely appropriate, in my opinion, that the article mentions that this pervert was a Mormon. It needs to be mentioned because it was in his capacity as a seminary principle that he had access to this girl. He used his position in the Church's educational system to commit horrible crimes. We as church members ought to know this, we ought to know what we are possibly exposing our kids to on a daily basis. We ought to know this because all too often we send our kids off to seminary, church, scouts,and young womens without a second thought.
I am a active LDS member, I have daughters of my own. Someday I will send them to seminary. I'm devastated that something like this has happened in our seminary program, quite honestly I'm ashamed. However, its something all church members need to know, so that we can be more aware.

Comments continue below

Indeed | 9:42 a.m. July 11, 2009

A very perverse group of people.

cris | 9:42 a.m. July 11, 2009

religion doesn't make the best of man, the man makes best of religion

Text Messages | 9:47 a.m. July 11, 2009

Text Messges don't lie. Brother Pratt will try and deny everything but his words are DOCUMENTED in his text messages. Mike needs to fess up and move on.

Mike Pratt will remain a great guy with trials of his own. I am a great guy but I have trials I deal with. This doesn't make him a bad person, it just makes him like everyone else. We are all trying to overcome sin.

John Pack Lambert | 9:47 a.m. July 11, 2009

To the 5:28 commentator,
The girl can not be complicit. If she was able to be complicit it would not be a crime. Adultery is not a crime, and since Lawrence v. Texas neither is sodomy between consenting parties. This is only a crime because the girl can not consent and is therefore not guilty. The man, like all other people who misuse their authority, is at fault.

NEWS FLASH | 9:55 a.m. July 11, 2009

Some 16 year old girls are sexually maturing very fast these days. I have younger friends that tell me about all of the sexual things going on in high schools and how wild some of the girls are.

It sounds like this went on for several months. It's pretty clear she knew exactly what was going on. "Victim" I highly doubt.

Now doing this as a teacher and being married.
NOT SMART!

John Pack Lambert | 9:56 a.m. July 11, 2009

to the 7 whatever commentator,
What did he say? Has Mr. Pratt denied being with the girl at multiple locations, skinny dipping with her, sending her text messages and cheking her out of school.
I do not see that he has proactively denied any of this.

John Pack Lambert | 10:00 a.m. July 11, 2009

To Fergie,
What you ignore is that many of these commentators knew Mr. Pratt personally. I guarantee if this person were a politician 90% of the people who posted here would not have posted.

Richard Jones | 10:03 a.m. July 11, 2009

Reading through the comments I have to say that so many of you sound like abuse victims. Clinging to the possibility that's he not guilty. That it's not really his fault. That everybody makes mistakes.
I think you're doing your church a disservice by trying to rationalize it by saying 'everybody makes mistakes.' This is not one of those mistakes that everyone makes. This is much, much worse.

John Pack Lambert | 10:08 a.m. July 11, 2009

Actually the more I read of the unending praise of Mr. Pratt and how he helped people through hard times the more I am convinced he is guilty. With that amount of admiration and praise it would have been very easy for him to seduce the girl.
I wish people would not deney it. Anyone is cabable of sin, and to deny charges just because you think the person who is accused is a good man is wrong. To try and make the victim the perpetrator is even worse. Stop putting blame on the victim.

Granny T. | 10:08 a.m. July 11, 2009

The atonement covers many sins and we are so blest that it does. But in this life we pay the Piper for all the world to see. Remember that.

Innocent until...Misapplied | 10:13 a.m. July 11, 2009

I won't comment at all on this case, since I don't know the details. But I'm always annoyed by the self righteous "Innocent until proven guilty!" statements that find their way into every conversation about alleged criminal activity.

This principle refers to carrying out legal punishment for actions. People are innocent *in the eyes of the law* until proven guilty. It doesn't mean observers are supposed to set their brains aside and not discuss reasonable conclusions about actions based on the facts available. Otherwise, how would a DA ever build a case if she didn't allow herself to consider the possibility of guilt.

Now, if a poster said, "We already know he's guilty, so let's skip the trial and jail him for life," then the innocent-until-prven-guilty petition would be appropriate. But don't deny private citizent their right (even if sometimes missaplied) to draw non-legal conclusions based on information they have.

Sounds like this guy... | 10:15 a.m. July 11, 2009

did a lot of good for a lot of folks. Unfortunately, his life will be forever tarnished by these accusations, true or not.
Too often we judge individuals by one event rather than the entire body of work that is their life. That's human nature. We focus on the failures mainly because it helps justify our own weaknesses. Bottom line is that none of us are entirely good or entirely bad.
The reason Pratt was in a position to make such a huge mistake is because he had principles and tried to live up to them. This time he failed. That happens to everyone who has standards, and the higher your standards the greater the stakes when you fail.
The alternative is to have no standards--then you never have to worry about living up to anything, or being called a "hypocrite," one of the most overused words of the 21st century.
Here's hoping the victim can overcome the effects of what Pratt allegedly did, and Pratt can get his life back on track.

Re: JPL | 10:15 a.m. July 11, 2009

DUH! we do not tolerate inappropriate relations between adult males and under-aged females or ANY OTHER AGE.

Unbelievable | 10:17 a.m. July 11, 2009

If this man was a teacher and wasn't Mormon the people on these boards would be ready to crucify him. The hypocrisy is just wrong and further contributes to the view many nonMormons have that members of the LDS Church are "different" and "corrupt".

WoW | 10:21 a.m. July 11, 2009

If this was someone outside of the LDS they would be getting crucified. I think you are judge everyone equally. The truth will come out either way.

Ryan W | 10:25 a.m. July 11, 2009

Why my last comment wasn't posted I have no idea, it certainly was less hate filled and venemous than some of the comments here thus far; it even had a joke in it.

Bro. Pratt was my seminary teacher 10+ years ago when he was first starting at Viewmont High, I had him his first semester there. He quickly became the favorite and for good reason, he is a kind and caring individual. I would sincerely hope that these allegations are not true. I'm sure that it started off innocently, he was undoubtably trying to help a student through a rough patch and things went south and they both made poor decision.

My thoughts and prayers go out to my friend, Michael, his wife and kids and also the alleged victim and her family. I hope forgiveness eventually can be found for all parties involved once justice has been done.

John Pack Lambert | 10:25 a.m. July 11, 2009

To the 7:13 commentator and others,
The CES has a worldwide paid network. Seminary classes may not be tuaght by paid instructors outside of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon and Alaska, but there are paid CES employees. There are paid institute terachers and various levels of supervisors in other locations. There are at least four full-time paid employees of CES in Michigan for example.

Crazy | 10:31 a.m. July 11, 2009

I've known Mike for nearly 20 years. Stunned, shocked, and bewildered are all understatements. He would be one of the last people I would ever suspect of this behavior. I know him very well and never saw any indications of this character flaw. Every student, friend, or associate of his that I know are blown away by these charges. He would never have been given the position he had in the Seminary at his age if he was not highly respected by students and peers which makes this all the worse. If you can't trust this person who can you trust? Nobody! It makes you rethink how you view people. If all the charges are true or even one of them he deserves the consequences. I feel for his wife and the girl. SHOCKING!

Anonymous | 10:31 a.m. July 11, 2009

{POP!!!} Goes the mormon bubble. Wake up people.

The truth | 10:33 a.m. July 11, 2009

I have found only one sure certainty and that is the spirit of truth. A man can be trusted when the spirit speaks through him and vulnerable when it is absent.

Someone once said that we all had the capacity to be gods or demons. We decide. We are are only as good as we decide to be at any given moment of our life. Having said that I don't believe this was a momentary lapse of judgement. Obedience and faithfulness in resisting temptations strengthens ones ability to resist. These acts tend to build over time and there is a gradual weakening of the spiritual walls that have been built.

I agree with an earlier post that pornography may have been a contributing factor. Those walls that took decades to build can be brought down quite rapidly if individuals do not immediately check themselves.

Also, I agree in principle that the girl should be protected by the law, but I have lived long enough to see the seductive power of some aggressive sixteen year olds who are mature beyond their years.

But considering he asserted his 5th amendment rights, I suspect he is the responsible culprit.

Sick | 10:39 a.m. July 11, 2009

Why are so many people hesitant to condemn this man? Sure there is the whole innocent until proven guilty argument, but really, he has been booked in jail after reviewing the initial evidence. All the talk about how great he was in the past needs to be forgotten since he is a SEX CRIMINAL. the other poster who commented that if he was a public school teacher, he would have an effigy of him up by now was right.

So stop talking about how the gospel is for everyone and how he can repent. Justice needs to come down on this man first, then he can worry about repentance.

Ain't it good to know... | 10:44 a.m. July 11, 2009

Nice to know that Mike will have so many friends and former students to visit him in prison... If, of course, he's convicted. I wonder how many of you who are now rushing to his defense will continue to support him if all the charges turn out to to true?

GET A LIFE! | 10:49 a.m. July 11, 2009

Hey john p lambert. Who appointed you the board moderator. Get a life! No one cares what you have to say.

Becca Garrett | 10:49 a.m. July 11, 2009

While in this country, there is presumed innocence until proven guilty, there is also freedom of speech. Each of us has the right to question this. This man was in a position of trust in a school and a religious setting. He was placed with children, and yes, by law, 16 is a CHILD. If he commited this crime, then he should be castrated. If he did not, then the individual who pressed charges, needs to be criminally and civilly punished. Either way, the families of both parties will be the ones who suffer. If he did do it, she is a VICTIM no matter what part she played in it. Sexual acts are not consentual between minors and adults, as she is not of the age of capacity to make that decision for herself. A lot of the commentators are saying not to judge, but yet, they are doing it about the girl? If she is falsly accusing him, then she needs mental help. If she is not, then this will affect her for the rest of her life. He is innocent until proven guilty, but be careful about defending him, it may come back to haunt you.

Mr Lambert | 10:51 a.m. July 11, 2009

"Who are you calling a pedophile? While I do believe Mr. Pratt is guilty of a crime, there is no reason to call him a pedophile. Pedophiles are people who have sex with children who have not reached puberty."
I would love to sit down with you and go over the LAW regarding pedophilia...it is sexual contact with anyone under the age of 18, not puberty, there is nothing in the law that even refers to puberty. My child is 11 and going through puberty, if a man has sex with her, he has RAPED her and is a PEDOPHILE! People like you are the reason society, at least in Utah, defend actions such as this...he is what he was labeled, and it is correct, and he deserves to be on the sex offender registry as such. He is 20 years older than her!! I was behind you until that comment.

kit | 10:56 a.m. July 11, 2009

I'm sick of the articles saying he's like every other man with temptations. While I'm not going to judge his eternal fate what this man did is sick and wrong. I'm sick of people saying we're all human. Yes we're all human but we don't all do this. While I won't judge his eternal fate this man deserves to be put away for the maximum time allowed. Not casting the first stone in no way means no having consequences.

Chelsea Adale | 10:57 a.m. July 11, 2009

Reading all of this makes my heart wrench. I was raised LDS and I have been in and out of being active in the church. I feel like their doctrine rings true to my spirit on many levels. I also know on my quest to become a follower of Jesus Christ and his teachings I have been blessed to know ALL of Gods children in my life. In one way or another we all become connected through the human family.

Its stories like this that remind me of the 'adultress'. When she came to the towns people and they said "It is the law that she be stoned, she was caught with another man". Jesus says "Who among you are with out sin, let him cast the first stone."

Chelsea Adale | 10:57 a.m. July 11, 2009

When I can finally establish in every moment of my life peace, forgiveness, and unconditional love for my fellow brothers and sisters, I know that I choose mercy, forgiveness and love for all that is involved, for that is what our teacher Jesus Christ would do in this situation. He loves us so greatly he wants ALL of Gods children to feel of his atonement, and not 'after we are punished for all of our sins'. The atonement is available to those who humble themselves before the Lord. All men are here to learn and grow, we all make mistakes (Myself included) and I choose to know that forgiveness sets my own heart free.

I choose to be at peace and know that Gods mercy is abundantly available to all. : )

non-mormons | 11:04 a.m. July 11, 2009

I love all the non-mormon comments. They just seem thrilled with the prospects that a member has fallen so far. Almost thrilled with the prospect and gloating in glee. Totally bizarre to see people relish in excitement over this in an attempt to prove a very weak point.

Disturbed | 11:05 a.m. July 11, 2009

Almost as disturbing as the alleged behaviors are the excuses being offered to justify or rationalize the behaviors, like "He did a lot of good for a lot of folks," "16 year old girls are sexually maturing very fast these days," and the old favorite, "None of us are without sin. The Lord does not condemn, and neither should we." (Actually, He did. "Wo unto you ... hypocrites.")

Wake up people! This is precisely the kind of immoral behavior that is condemned in every General Conference. If it is perpetuated by a Church leader, it's even more egregious. Spare the "righteous forgiveness" rubbish and have the moral fortitude to denounce wickedness!

Heh | 11:10 a.m. July 11, 2009

Believe me when I say a 17 year old girl is not a victim in this circumstance.

Take a step back | 11:19 a.m. July 11, 2009

A lot of comments are mentioning "innocent until proven guilty". Legally, that is always the case, and the fact the Mr. Pratt can post bail is proof of that. However, when someone is accused of a crime, the police and district attorney look at the evidence, and when it is sufficient they issue a warrant. Whether one likes the police or not, they are aware of the damage a false accusation can cause to someones life and career. They wouldn't pursue this with such confidence if the evidence was flimsy. Lots of good people get caught doing bad things, and Mr. Pratt is now one of them. I don't think he's evil--I think he made some bad decisions that are going to cost him his life. His career is over, and he'll most likely spend a good chunk of time in prison. His marriage is probably over as well, and I'm sure the Mr. Pratt would give anything to go back in time and not do what he's done. We don't need to condone Pratt's behavior, but we don't need to crucify him either.

Saddened | 11:19 a.m. July 11, 2009

I'm with all those that remind us that in this country it is supposed to be INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. There are accusations and investigations going on, not a conviction. My daughter was in Brother Pratt's seminary group of girls and a boy. She and I are both shocked at the ACCUSATIONS and can hardly believe them. We truly hope they are not true. I do wonder how Brother Pratt managed to check her out of school. When my daughter skipped her class and went over to talk with him about some "drama" going on in her life, he encouraged her to go back to class. He wasn't allowed to excuse her. I as a parent could only do that. He was a seminary (released time) teacher. I didn't know they could check students out??? My daughter has her guesses as to who this girl could be, it would interesting to see if she was right. Not all these kids were totally troubled, but they did have some issues. Brother Pratt helped bring out the best in many kids. My prayers go out to all, guilty or not.

John Pack Lambert | 11:19 a.m. July 11, 2009

To the 10:23 commentator,
If any comments on this board make you want to resign your church membership I have to ask if you have a real testimony.
Although I have to agree that Ryan's comments were stupid and the claims that this should not be a criminal charge are based on failure to understand the law, I think you should avoid blaming the Church as a whole.
He was fired, the accusations were reported, the Church has worked with the authorities, and while I do agree people have expressed too much sympathy and too much unwilingness to believe most people at a minimum say that if the charges are true the man should be punished.

John Pack Lambert | 11:27 a.m. July 11, 2009

To the 10:51 commentator,
There is no law defining pedophilia. Pedophilia is not a crime. What I present is the definition of the term. What you are talking about is statutory rape and related crimes. My point is on the definition of terms. I was in no way saying that the man should not go to prison, for I fully believe he should go to prison. I was just pointing out he was not a pedophile. To understand his crime we have to began by realizing that he is not a pedophile with a sick and rare attraction to children, but a man who committed a crime that involves the normal range of human attractions.
I guess I should expect the strugle to define terms properly to be hard, but we must realize what pedophilia is and is not to understand what we are diealing with. This is statutory rape, where a man uses his greater age and postion to have sexual relations with a female who has passed puberty. It is built around normal sexual attractions and not the sexual attraction to children that constitutesa pedophilia.

Justice, mercy, charity... | 11:29 a.m. July 11, 2009

What Brother Pratt allegedly did was unequivocally wrong. The girl and her family must be hurting very much. I’m sure Brother Pratt's family is in enormous pain as well. Brother Pratt's students and friends are hurt. And, I’d guess that Brother Pratt is quite hurt by the guilt from his own decisions. He has provided wonderful friendship and help to many people. And, if this is true, he also made a horrible, awful mistake. It will take plenty of time, but I know the Savior can heal all parties involved. All I can say is that God is a perfect judge. The law of the land has to take its course (and it will, so wait for the whole story), and consequences come. But, I know we can help by keeping all of those involved in our prayers. ...(See next comment for remainder)

Justice, mercy, charity... | 11:30 a.m. July 11, 2009

(Justice, mercy, charity...continued from previous comment)
My heart goes out to all those who are hurting. I hope that all of us, including myself, can rally around to help support all those involved as they suffer the necessary consequences and make their way back to the lives they should be following. If there ever was a time when charity is needed, its now. Charity toward the girl and her family, charity toward Brother Pratt and his family, and charity toward all others involved. This doesn't mean that these things aren't totally inappropriate, disgusting, wrong and heartbreaking; but, it does mean we can work to build people up instead of tear them down. My prayers are with all involved.

John Pack Lambert | 11:33 a.m. July 11, 2009

To the 10:51 commentator,
Did I say he should not be on the sex offender list? No. Did I say he is not guilty of rape? No. Also, there is a difference between being in puberty and being passed puberty. 16 year old girls are in general PHYSICALLY fully developed women. Emotionally and mentally is a different issue, especially when the man is a teacher or other person who has a special realtionship of trust. I fully support the charge of statutory rape in this case.
However, for proper psychological understanding we have to realize that this is not a case of pedophilia and if we call it that we are misunderstanding both that crime and what this crime is.

Sad Story | 11:44 a.m. July 11, 2009

President Hinckley warned that Pornography was a tragic evil amongst us and I can almost guarantee he became involved with it and his thoughts ran wild with him. Its a darn shame and now he must face the consequences. As was mentioned before, he was in a position of trust and blew it. I feel awful for his poor family and that girl. She knew better than that at age 16 so she should have come come forward sooner. But I can imagine that situation would be tough when you have so much trust in your seminary teachers and think they wouldn't ever lead you down that path. Its a darn shame from all aspects. Men stay away from Porn and stay true to your wives. No one is susceptible to this stuff, Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly. I never want this man to teach seminary again, but I wish him well and hope he will get the help he needs after his sentence is completed.

Sad | 11:47 a.m. July 11, 2009

I feel bad for the girl and much worse for this fellow's poor wife and kids. To all my fellow LDS friends on here who are trying to say it's the girl's fault for seducing him, go read Elder Holland's sermon "Of Souls, Symbols and Sacraments." Whether she was consenting or not is irrelvant, this guy is an adult and a man, not a teenage boy. David probably tried to blame Uriah's wife for his adultery too. That didn't go over too well with God then, and it won't go over well now. If he is innocent, it'll come out in court. We'll see what happens, but stop blaming the girl for seducing him. That is just pathetic.

Hails | 11:48 a.m. July 11, 2009

I was in Bro. Pratts seminary class as a sophomore! I had always gone to church and followed the commandments growing up, but never really had a testimony. The first day in his class was the first time I felt the spirit. Everyday i would look forward to his class and his lessons that became the foundation of my testimony. The news of this was at first a shock, and i could not believe it! After many tears and a heart felt talk with my mom, I now have to realize that we must forgive him!(and no we don't just forgive members)
I am reminded of one of his lessons on the atonement..He used garlic as representing a persons sin, and then one person would have to eat pieces of garlic as if it were Christ paying for our sins..how painful it is for Christ, but he is there and willing! I am sure Christ and Heavenly Father are in pain because of this, but it the purpose of life! We all make mistakes and I am grateful that we can forgive and forget. I pray that Bro. Pratt can pick himself up after this!

Anonymous | 11:49 a.m. July 11, 2009

Quit lying to people and the Lord.

kathyn | 11:52 a.m. July 11, 2009

King David is a good example of a very righteous and great man falling because he gave in to temptation. It can happen to anybody. That being said, we ARE free to choose, but we aren't free to choose the consequences. I hope Bro. Pratt and the girl will repent and overcome this terrible sin, yet the consequences must be paid. I feel sorry for both of them, but especially the girl, her family, and his family. This is a horrible tragedy. And it's a good lesson to all of us.

Definitions | 11:57 a.m. July 11, 2009

In law enforcement, the term "pedophile" is generally used to describe those accused or convicted of the sexual abuse of a minor (including both prepubescent children and adolescent minors younger than the local age of consent).

The APA's (American Psychiatric Assoc) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition, Text Revision gives the following as its "Diagnostic criteria for 302.2 Pedophilia":

A. Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children (generally age 13 years or younger);
B. The person has acted on these sexual urges, or the sexual urges or fantasies cause marked distress or interpersonal difficulty;
C. The person is at least age 16 years and at least 5 years older than the child or children in Criterion A

Truth and Justice | 11:58 a.m. July 11, 2009

What if something like this happened to YOUR child?

Anonymous | 12:04 p.m. July 11, 2009

anyone who wants this girl to share "any" of the blame are wrongheaded and obviously don't know any teenagers. 16 year olds are smart, no doubt. But I have never known one "smart" enough to run their lives on their very own. Let alone make a the decision to enter into a relationship with an adult. If this man did what he is accused of having done, he carries "all" of the blame. He was in a position of authority and he fully had the power to stop, or never begin, the relationship to this point. I have no doubt he was a a nice man and did nice things. But, you cannot blame this girl for what happened. In the end it's simple. He evidently made a poor choice, and a child went along. Big surprise. Many have stated how influential Mr. Pratt has been. There seems to be a lot of evidence to support that now. Doesn't there? Under the laws of the land, as well as common sense, this girl was one thing and one thing only, a victim.

re:9:32 | 12:06 p.m. July 11, 2009

He was witnessed checking her out of school and skinny dipping with her. That's just what they've released. With that many counts thrown at him it's highly likely that several will stick.

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