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Ex-LDS seminary principal hands over evidence
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Anonymous | 12:20 p.m. July 13, 2009
They've got nothing on this guy. Allegedly an offender of 25+ felonies and
now walking free on $20,000 bail and no charges filed at this stage? They need
the computer to try and gather evidence because they don't have anything to
charge him with now. This guy got the shaft from the Church too, getting tossed
in the gutter within an hour after the allegations surfaced. Pratt never taught
me in seminary, but I'm on his side until the evidence is stacked against
him. Right now there is NOTHING.
Just wondering | 12:21 p.m. July 13, 2009
But I wonder what they will find on the laptop hard drive? If the laptop
belonged to the church, I doubt they will find much on it. I have a friend that
works in the MIS department at the church and they have some pretty restrictive
software installed on their computers to prevent a lot of this kind of stuff
from happening.
Interested | 12:21 p.m. July 13, 2009
Very interested to follow this case. Will any claims be substantiated? Will
other students bring additional charges?
I sincerely hope that all facts will be presented and the truth established, so that healing can begin to take place.
I sincerely hope that all facts will be presented and the truth established, so that healing can begin to take place.
Comments continue below
Truth? | 12:36 p.m. July 13, 2009
Sorry, Bub. There's no getting around the truth here. You're in a heap
o' trouble.
There is no way to justify having sex with ANY 16 year old, consentual or not.
It doesn't look too promising.
"As ye sow......"
Mike
There is no way to justify having sex with ANY 16 year old, consentual or not.
It doesn't look too promising.
"As ye sow......"
Mike
MDBennett | 12:47 p.m. July 13, 2009
Let us not be quick to judge: as soon as headlines appear that contain the words "underage" and "inappropriate", it is common for judgmental feelings to arise, but recall that the Prophet Joseph himself was jailed on trumped-up charges. I applaud the Deseret News for it's non-sensational coverage of these unfortunate cases. Let's have sorrow for the accused and sorrow for the accuser, regardless of guilt or innocence on either side, and prayers for them and their families.
Yep | 12:47 p.m. July 13, 2009
Anonymous | 12:20 p.m. July 13, 2009
I agree it does seem odd that the bail is so low for that many felony counts.
However in their contract with the Church it is very plain that if they are accused in a court of law there is grounds for immediate dismissal.
I agree it does seem odd that the bail is so low for that many felony counts.
However in their contract with the Church it is very plain that if they are accused in a court of law there is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Solymnar | 12:48 p.m. July 13, 2009
The School for all conventional purposes never has a choice about sacking a
teacher or staff member when allegations or suspicions arise because parents go
berserk on any such things regardless of actual proof.
Any threat, real or percieved to mommy or daddy's little angels sparks righteous indignant rage in the majority of parents it seems and they pretty much go off the deep end and can not be reasoned with from there.
This seems to be even more prevelant the less a parent is involved with their kids. I would suspect its due to a mixture of guilt at not really being there for their kids along with a degree of paranoia caused by being clueless and univolved often also combined with having forgotten what it was like to be a kid themselves as many people seem to do far too often.
In short it seems to be the parents that don't bother actually being a parent that scream the loudest in these cases.
Any threat, real or percieved to mommy or daddy's little angels sparks righteous indignant rage in the majority of parents it seems and they pretty much go off the deep end and can not be reasoned with from there.
This seems to be even more prevelant the less a parent is involved with their kids. I would suspect its due to a mixture of guilt at not really being there for their kids along with a degree of paranoia caused by being clueless and univolved often also combined with having forgotten what it was like to be a kid themselves as many people seem to do far too often.
In short it seems to be the parents that don't bother actually being a parent that scream the loudest in these cases.
Hopeful but concerned | 12:54 p.m. July 13, 2009
What a crazy story, I really hope this ends up being a big misunderstanding. It
does, however, seem pretty suspicious that "the laptop, {was} sent out of
the area with Pratt's family after the allegations surfaced." So as
soon as he was arrested, the family tried to hide the lap top? Isn't that
what the article is saying?? Seems suspicious...
ea | 12:54 p.m. July 13, 2009
Didn't the accuser say "everything but sex" happened between
them?
Its starting to sound more and more like maybe she made up a lot of this story. $20K bail for that many felonies, but no official charges? Something just isn't adding up.
I'm predicting an over-accusatory press wanted to make a scandalous story happen fast. I think he'll be guilty of something, but probably nowhere near all the things he was originally accused of.
Where are all of his other students? Why aren't they standing up for him? Or shooting him down? Something just isn't right here.
Its starting to sound more and more like maybe she made up a lot of this story. $20K bail for that many felonies, but no official charges? Something just isn't adding up.
I'm predicting an over-accusatory press wanted to make a scandalous story happen fast. I think he'll be guilty of something, but probably nowhere near all the things he was originally accused of.
Where are all of his other students? Why aren't they standing up for him? Or shooting him down? Something just isn't right here.
Truth? Where is the truth? | 12:57 p.m. July 13, 2009
We've become a society were charged can be made about anyone, anywhere and
at anytime. Mike, I guess you know this guy is in "a heap o'
trouble" by just having an allegation made against him. I defer with
you're opinion for one reason... no truth as been established in the court
of law... no conviction... as matter of "truth" no charges as of
yet... the issue isn't a matter of "justification" it's a
mater of "Truth", let's wait and have the process establish that
truth. I hope you get it...
ba | 1:06 p.m. July 13, 2009
There have been countless comments posted here and on KSL from people claiming
to be former students, all of which seem to support the principal. FYI
karla | 1:06 p.m. July 13, 2009
Just because the Church dismissed him, doesn't mean they automatically
assume he's guilty. They err on the side of caution when it comes to the
safety of the students. I think that IF he is found innocent, they would rehire
him. They just let the courts be the finder of fact. If he's guilty he
shouldn't be allowed around anyone under 18.
As for his wife and kids. I feel just awful that they are going through this. I'm sure their Bishop will make sure their basic needs are met. I hope other friends and ward members will rally around them, despite the scandalous nature of this trial.
Sometimes people will rally if someone loses a spouse to death, but not divorce. They'll rally if someone loses a teen from cancer, but not to drug addiction. The grief and loss is just as real, regardless of the situation.
Please don't shun his family. Supporting them is not the same as supporting his bad behavior, if it does turn out to be true.
As for his wife and kids. I feel just awful that they are going through this. I'm sure their Bishop will make sure their basic needs are met. I hope other friends and ward members will rally around them, despite the scandalous nature of this trial.
Sometimes people will rally if someone loses a spouse to death, but not divorce. They'll rally if someone loses a teen from cancer, but not to drug addiction. The grief and loss is just as real, regardless of the situation.
Please don't shun his family. Supporting them is not the same as supporting his bad behavior, if it does turn out to be true.
Anonymous | 1:07 p.m. July 13, 2009
Once again it shows that when there is something of a juicy story the press will
jump all over it and make it into something that it is not, I had Brother Pratt
as a seminary teacher years ago when I was in high school, this whole situation
just seems to not making sense in the least, first they print this article
saying things like places, and text messages, but now where is all the evidence
that pointed those things, they don't have any. If he did do something
illegal he should pay for it, but I think that this story should not have been
released until they actually had some hard evidence on him. If they actually do!
Anonymous | 1:08 p.m. July 13, 2009
Ohhhh.... I see, He's Mormon... so obviously it has to be false.*rolls
eyes*
Mike | 1:19 p.m. July 13, 2009
Oh I get it. (I'll let my personal friendship with the victim's family
sit aside here)
I get that many LDS simply cannot believe that one of theirs could possibly be guilty of ANYTHING untoward.
I was raised LDS and have a firm understanding of how it all works. I served a mission in the Dominican Republic, and was being considered for the Bishopric until I left the faith.
Had it been a Catholic teacher, I could just imagine the slings and arrows. But there is an overriding sentiment for Pratt that we should wait and see. I agree that by law, that is what must happen. I am just miffed by all of the defense of this guy just because he's a seminary teacher.
If he's innocent, then the authorities have a bunch of 'splainin to do'. If guilty, then what? I know. You'll all pray for him and forgive him. Let the Lord judge...etc etc.
This is why I left the church. It is like a single-celled being, like an amoeba.
M
I get that many LDS simply cannot believe that one of theirs could possibly be guilty of ANYTHING untoward.
I was raised LDS and have a firm understanding of how it all works. I served a mission in the Dominican Republic, and was being considered for the Bishopric until I left the faith.
Had it been a Catholic teacher, I could just imagine the slings and arrows. But there is an overriding sentiment for Pratt that we should wait and see. I agree that by law, that is what must happen. I am just miffed by all of the defense of this guy just because he's a seminary teacher.
If he's innocent, then the authorities have a bunch of 'splainin to do'. If guilty, then what? I know. You'll all pray for him and forgive him. Let the Lord judge...etc etc.
This is why I left the church. It is like a single-celled being, like an amoeba.
M
Anonymous | 1:20 p.m. July 13, 2009
This is worst than the famous Salem witch trial! I would expect that the
officers have something hard to file charges but nothing yet? Sounds pretty
wierd. One more reason to say "innocent until proven guilty"
jj | 1:22 p.m. July 13, 2009
this is crazy...i'm anxious to hear what goes down on monday. i would love
for this to be untrue but i dont think that's whats going to end up
happening.
everyone just needs to hold up and wait.
everyone just needs to hold up and wait.
Anonymous | 1:25 p.m. July 13, 2009
I'm so sorry for the 16 year old child.
come on | 1:28 p.m. July 13, 2009
Anonymous | 1:08 p.m. July 13, 2009
"Ohhhh.... I see, He's Mormon... so obviously it has to be false.*rolls eyes*"
You can either make an intellectual comment or keep your thoughts to yourself
"Ohhhh.... I see, He's Mormon... so obviously it has to be false.*rolls eyes*"
You can either make an intellectual comment or keep your thoughts to yourself
Anonymous | 1:28 p.m. July 13, 2009
Oh, stop...it has nothing to do with being Mormon. Mike is a great guy and so
is his family. If it is found that he is guilty, he should most certainly pay,
just like anyone else. But it doesn't take away all the good he has done
in his life. He is truly an inspirational person and it is EXTREMELY sad if
this happened...for all involved. We still love you guilty or not. Why would
you completely turn your back on a dear friend or family member when they make
bad choices?? Never!
To Mike | 1:33 p.m. July 13, 2009
Since when was praying for someone wrong?
Since when was forgiving someone wrong?
Since when was placing the life of someone in the Lord's hands wrong?
Seems like something is wrong!
Since when was forgiving someone wrong?
Since when was placing the life of someone in the Lord's hands wrong?
Seems like something is wrong!
Something IS wrong | 1:45 p.m. July 13, 2009
I see Mike's point. I left the Church at 30 some 15 years ago. There is an
overwhelming sense of privilege or entitlement among members. Immunity, so to
speak.
I don't think he meant there was anything wrong with praying, but praying is but a small part of change or healing. There is an enormous amount of physical and mental effort needed, but indeed, too many LDS choose to "pray about it" first instead of taking the bull by the horns and acting on it.
Guidance and insporation don't ALWAYS come from above.
I'll bet if YOUR child we molested by somebody, you wouldn't be nearly so quick to forgive.
Jack
I don't think he meant there was anything wrong with praying, but praying is but a small part of change or healing. There is an enormous amount of physical and mental effort needed, but indeed, too many LDS choose to "pray about it" first instead of taking the bull by the horns and acting on it.
Guidance and insporation don't ALWAYS come from above.
I'll bet if YOUR child we molested by somebody, you wouldn't be nearly so quick to forgive.
Jack
ROI | 1:46 p.m. July 13, 2009
Hasn't anyone else let their kids watch movies on a road trip. The laptop
went with them, when the cops decided they wanted it. It was sent back. The
cops bad, not the accused or family !!!!
What have the cops been doing that they have to ask their accused to stay away from an area that may contain evidence. Shouldn't that evidence be collected before calling the media.
The prosecutor looks like an idiot because he doesn't have any of the reports. The cops look like they have the cart before the horse. Call the media, then look for evidence. Then tell the accused where you are going to look for evidence, when you get around to it, but stay away. Then add a trumped up list of charges to cover up the work you haven't done or lack of evidence.
It looks like the cops have messed this up so bad that the girl my never get justice, or the accused can never prove his case. The prosecutors and officers in Utah County need to get their act together.
This guy probably did something, but the cops and prosecutor are hard pressed to say what.
What have the cops been doing that they have to ask their accused to stay away from an area that may contain evidence. Shouldn't that evidence be collected before calling the media.
The prosecutor looks like an idiot because he doesn't have any of the reports. The cops look like they have the cart before the horse. Call the media, then look for evidence. Then tell the accused where you are going to look for evidence, when you get around to it, but stay away. Then add a trumped up list of charges to cover up the work you haven't done or lack of evidence.
It looks like the cops have messed this up so bad that the girl my never get justice, or the accused can never prove his case. The prosecutors and officers in Utah County need to get their act together.
This guy probably did something, but the cops and prosecutor are hard pressed to say what.
RE: Mike | 1:47 p.m. July 13, 2009
"...was being considered for the Bishopric until I left the faith."
This little gem shows how little mike understands the LDS faith.
That said, innocent until proven guilty is a neat theory, but rarely practiced.
Groups of people religious or otherwise have a tendency to circle the wagons to protect their own, but be first in line to stone others.
That said, until the court rules one way or the other, this guy is considered innocent. I would hope that people would offer the same courtesy to catholic priests, baptist ministers and jewish rabbi's.
This little gem shows how little mike understands the LDS faith.
That said, innocent until proven guilty is a neat theory, but rarely practiced.
Groups of people religious or otherwise have a tendency to circle the wagons to protect their own, but be first in line to stone others.
That said, until the court rules one way or the other, this guy is considered innocent. I would hope that people would offer the same courtesy to catholic priests, baptist ministers and jewish rabbi's.
To Jack | 1:49 p.m. July 13, 2009
I hope that I would forgive...regardless of their religion.
Anonymous | 1:51 p.m. July 13, 2009
It doesn't matter what church you attend or who you are. That sens of
immunity and privilege is exclusive to individuals of any faith. The church
doesn't cause it, individuals, whether Mormon or followers of Zeus, cause
that behavior.
The facts are, regardless of religion, that a man is on trial for bad behavior. If he did it, he'll be punished one way or the other. If not, he'll still suffer.
The facts are, regardless of religion, that a man is on trial for bad behavior. If he did it, he'll be punished one way or the other. If not, he'll still suffer.
Hard cored & mean | 1:51 p.m. July 13, 2009
Some LDS need to learn about feeling sorry for the victim instead of the
perpetrator. Very insensitive culture of people.
Name | 1:53 p.m. July 13, 2009
I just think it's funny that everybody argues in these forums. I love how
everyone seems to 'know' the family. Nobody really knows what happened
except Pratt and the girl.
BuckeyeUt | 1:54 p.m. July 13, 2009
RE: Mike
How do you 'be considered for the Bishopric'?
A lot of you people have your comments, but remain 'Anonymous'. Anonymous sure has a lot of opinions.
Even if he is innocent, doesn't it make sense to not even get close to situations like this, whether true or false. Guilty or not, don't know...stupid...yes.
How do you 'be considered for the Bishopric'?
A lot of you people have your comments, but remain 'Anonymous'. Anonymous sure has a lot of opinions.
Even if he is innocent, doesn't it make sense to not even get close to situations like this, whether true or false. Guilty or not, don't know...stupid...yes.
true blue | 1:55 p.m. July 13, 2009
Whether the charges are true or not there are precautions someone in his
position should take, so these kind of things don't happen. For one never
have private meetings with minors on numerous occasions in canyons and mines.
Dave | 1:58 p.m. July 13, 2009
Comments are surpressed, there is no freedom of speech in this area, if this guy
did this, he needs to be punished to the max of the law, if he didn't,
he's doomed anyway, it's how you are there!
Deep Thinker | 1:58 p.m. July 13, 2009
I am Mike's neighbor and friend and I really do believe that he is innocent
until proven guilty. My children had him for seminary and he changed their
lives for the better. Our whole family loves Mike and his family and we are
behind him 100%. Whatever the outcome, we love him and his family and want them
to remain in our midst.
There is no digital evidence, according to this morning's hearing, to substantiate those text messages. I think ksl.com should be boycotted for running Mike through the mud in this "smear campaign."
It seems like our liberal media wants to make a fool out of anyone of the LDS faith. This story should never have been publicized unless there was hard evidence! If these allegations are false, Mike should sue the media for defamation.
What can we learn from this? If the media cannot get their facts straight, then why should we believe anything else we read in the paper or see on the Internet/news?
There is no digital evidence, according to this morning's hearing, to substantiate those text messages. I think ksl.com should be boycotted for running Mike through the mud in this "smear campaign."
It seems like our liberal media wants to make a fool out of anyone of the LDS faith. This story should never have been publicized unless there was hard evidence! If these allegations are false, Mike should sue the media for defamation.
What can we learn from this? If the media cannot get their facts straight, then why should we believe anything else we read in the paper or see on the Internet/news?
Funny | 2:03 p.m. July 13, 2009
"...and was being considered for the Bishopric until I left the
faith."
How is that relevant in any way to this article?
Did you just need a forum to be able to tout yourself as an exmormon who has a "firm understanding of how it all works". Way to go, we are all proud of you!
How is that relevant in any way to this article?
Did you just need a forum to be able to tout yourself as an exmormon who has a "firm understanding of how it all works". Way to go, we are all proud of you!
Arizona | 2:03 p.m. July 13, 2009
It's all about the laptop.
The girl has made allegations, and some of them will be verifiable, using the laptop as proof. If the computer has evidence of the texts she described, everyone will believe that there is substance to the rest of her allegations.
I just hope that the police release what they find in the laptop quickly, so all this speculation can stop.
In a case like this, with so little known initially and the prospect of so much more available information soon, maybe holding off on the report for a day or two would have benefitted all.
The girl has made allegations, and some of them will be verifiable, using the laptop as proof. If the computer has evidence of the texts she described, everyone will believe that there is substance to the rest of her allegations.
I just hope that the police release what they find in the laptop quickly, so all this speculation can stop.
In a case like this, with so little known initially and the prospect of so much more available information soon, maybe holding off on the report for a day or two would have benefitted all.
rebecca | 2:05 p.m. July 13, 2009
karla-
what wise comments you made-hurt is hurt, regardless of the circumstances. Though I live in Indiana the 'shunning' can be the same. Hopefully members realize that both families need support. I do mean temporally, not just spiritually. Never should we ignore the 'elephant in the room'. Face it head on-tell the families of your concern and show your support, if only with a note that you are thinking of them. This is so much better than ignoring the obvious. Regardless of the outcome, these families have to live with this situation for years to come.
what wise comments you made-hurt is hurt, regardless of the circumstances. Though I live in Indiana the 'shunning' can be the same. Hopefully members realize that both families need support. I do mean temporally, not just spiritually. Never should we ignore the 'elephant in the room'. Face it head on-tell the families of your concern and show your support, if only with a note that you are thinking of them. This is so much better than ignoring the obvious. Regardless of the outcome, these families have to live with this situation for years to come.
Re: Something IS wrong | 2:05 p.m. July 13, 2009
I get a kick out of all the people who leave the LDS church and all of a sudden
become enlightened on the way the world turns and every comment they make
towards a current member is laced with condescension. Give it a rest. This has
nothing to do with being Mormon and everything with the fact they have ZERO
evidence so far. I agree with the majority, you hope it isn't true but if
it is after being PROVEN by EVIDENCE then he should punished to the fullest
extent of the law.
Time for some real equality | 2:05 p.m. July 13, 2009
I'm getting really tired of the media pointing out if someone is, has been,
or once thought about being a Mormon when it relates to covering people in the
news.
I think in this case it's unavoidable given the defendants occupation.
But in most cases (including tv shows like Survivor) I think media representatives giving personal information about people on tv should give the same info across the board.
For example, if Survivor is going to say crazy, skinny boy Tyson is a Mormon when he's clearly NOT active also provide the religious affiliation of all the cast and let them go off on their theological views.
And as for the news segments- when's the last time you heard a headline like this: "A former member of the Methodist church..."
I think in this case it's unavoidable given the defendants occupation.
But in most cases (including tv shows like Survivor) I think media representatives giving personal information about people on tv should give the same info across the board.
For example, if Survivor is going to say crazy, skinny boy Tyson is a Mormon when he's clearly NOT active also provide the religious affiliation of all the cast and let them go off on their theological views.
And as for the news segments- when's the last time you heard a headline like this: "A former member of the Methodist church..."
Geez relevance please | 2:06 p.m. July 13, 2009
Frankly if he is LDS or not has nothing to do with the case at hand. He did or
did not do what a 16 yr old child said. There is only a Case of yes he did or he
did not. Now it is up to a court of law to decide. Yes two families will carry
this for a lifetime what ever is true. If guilty fine then prosecute him if
innocent then free him. Then the community can cry about not getting their side
of the story out in public. It amazes me how often these post turn pro and con
about LDS. Yes it is a faith prominent in Utah, but come on it does not rule the
courts and is not perfect. Law unto Law Courts and Church to the Churches. Now
let the case pay out on an even playing field the same as you would for the
Baptist Sunday School teacher if he did this. Yep I am Baptist and we have bad
guys who are Baptist also.
In my humble opinion you guys are just looking for a reason to bash his church not comment on the case.
In my humble opinion you guys are just looking for a reason to bash his church not comment on the case.
Pirate6 | 2:11 p.m. July 13, 2009
No matter how this ends, there will be no "winners". In the worst
case scenerio, the allegations are true and the lives of a young woman and two
families have been greivously devastated. In the best case, the allegations are
false and a good mans reputation has been unjustly sullied. Either way, the
damage is done.
The "truth" may only ever be known to God and those involved. The legal system is not perfect. The "Church" punitive system is not perfect. None of the people involved are perfect. Justice may or may not prevail. Righteous indignation for one side or the other, gains you nothing. The best we can do is to use our energy in a positive way to help heal and console those in need. It is not our place to judge or punish. We don't have the knowledge, wisdom or responsibility to execute those duties.
The "truth" may only ever be known to God and those involved. The legal system is not perfect. The "Church" punitive system is not perfect. None of the people involved are perfect. Justice may or may not prevail. Righteous indignation for one side or the other, gains you nothing. The best we can do is to use our energy in a positive way to help heal and console those in need. It is not our place to judge or punish. We don't have the knowledge, wisdom or responsibility to execute those duties.
Anonymous | 2:14 p.m. July 13, 2009
Have you ever noticed that we are much more willing to condemn behaviors in
those we don't know and more willing to forgive those we do know well? It
breaks my heart to think of the possible consequences to all involved if this
story is true. Lives, many lives, are being torn apart by these allegations. I
hope that it is not true not because I want something covered up but because it
will make it easier to overcome the trauma this is causing to everyone involved,
including everyone that has turned to this man for spiritual learning and
direction. If he did it, he should suffer the consequences. I hope all of us
would look inside ourselves and set some personal boundaries so that nothing
like this would happen to us or even close. I agree that so often every good
thing that a person has done gets wiped away in the tide of anger, frustration,
sadness, and guilt caused by such actions. I am anxious to know how this will
unravel. I hope we all can eliminate the things in our lives that would lead us
down similar paths leading to destructive behaviors.
re:Something IS wrong | 2:17 p.m. July 13, 2009
"overwhelming sense of privilege or entitlement among members. Immunity, so
to speak"
Say WHAT??? What are you talking about Jack? Holy smoke! What privilege or entitlement are you talking about specifically? Immunity? There is NONE! Every member is judged by the same set of rules from General Authority to new convert and you have absolutely zero evidence supporting anything to the contrary. Remove the chip from your shoulder of your own past and try to look at this without emotion and with objectivity.
Say WHAT??? What are you talking about Jack? Holy smoke! What privilege or entitlement are you talking about specifically? Immunity? There is NONE! Every member is judged by the same set of rules from General Authority to new convert and you have absolutely zero evidence supporting anything to the contrary. Remove the chip from your shoulder of your own past and try to look at this without emotion and with objectivity.
swift judgment | 2:22 p.m. July 13, 2009
Inevitably judgment has already been passed upon for both the
"alleged" criminal and the "alleged" victim. That is until
the next bit of "news" swings it the other way and back and forth. I
remember living in LA during the OJ trial and marveling how a case could be
prosecuted and defended via the media. Justice ala media doesn't happen
very often and we, the viewing audience, are all too frequently duped and
reduped. Alas, sells advertising. Like most things, this case is just another
opportunity for many individuals to vent their own personal views for and
against "the church." The best tack is always "discretion is the
better part of valor."
Patience | 2:23 p.m. July 13, 2009
Stop blaming the police and the prosecutor. Each case takes time to collect
evidence, interview people, etc. They don't go by the deadlines set by the
press or its readers. I am LDS but agree with some on here that he is being
viewed differently than others accused of similar crimes. The fact is that all
accused should be viewed as innocent until proven guilty, not just LDS seminary
teachers.
anonymous | 2:31 p.m. July 13, 2009
Of course the family left the state to protect the children from the damage of
the media and the talk of the public. Any good mother would do the same for
their children. Bringing a laptop to watch movies on the road, or simply for
his wife to keep in touch through email or whatever else we all use a laptop for
does not seem suspicious at all, especially because they were never asked to
turn it over until now and they were apparently very quick to comply! Please
people, a little common sense!
Innocent until proven guilty | 2:34 p.m. July 13, 2009
No surprise to see the know-it-alls out in force acting as judge, jury, and
executioner on Mr. Pratt and his alleged guilt.
Isn't this a land where the accused have the right to innocence until they are proven guilty?
Or are we just making emotionally-driven, knee-jerk reactions based on what we want to believe?
Isn't this a land where the accused have the right to innocence until they are proven guilty?
Or are we just making emotionally-driven, knee-jerk reactions based on what we want to believe?
Deep Thinker | 2:42 p.m. July 13, 2009
I think you will come to find that digital evidence does in fact exist. That
is, if you consider a text message digital.
anonymous | 2:43 p.m. July 13, 2009
After reading the plethora of comments from the main report I get the picture
that this guy has helped several troubled teens. This leads me to wonder just
how troubled this teen is and who is the true victim hear. One of his former
students commented that he wouldn't even hug his students telling them that
it wasnt proper. That's a far cry from these "alleged" reports
in the media.I don't know this guy but I'm holding my judgement for
the trial. As for all of you claiming that the mormons won't believe that
one of their own could do this, I don't know what comments you are reading.
All the comments from LDS who can't believe this is true has nothing to do
with his LDS status and everything to do with the fact that they know him
personaly and have been helped by him and that is what makes it so hard to
believe. Stop the mormon witch hunt, you obviously have issues!
Re: ROI | 2:48 p.m. July 13, 2009
"Hasn't anyone else let their kids watch movies on a road trip. The
laptop went with them, when the cops decided they wanted it. It was sent back.
The cops bad, not the accused or family !!!!"
Yeah I'm sure that's the first thing they did, is took the kids on a road trip, in between bailing him out at 3am and dropping 20k on his bail. Nice observation!
Although I do agree with you that the media has been notified too early. Chalk that up to the brilliant police officers in Provo...man they're thick.
I feel sorry for all people involved in this case. I hope there are no more stories on this until there is something legit to report!
Yeah I'm sure that's the first thing they did, is took the kids on a road trip, in between bailing him out at 3am and dropping 20k on his bail. Nice observation!
Although I do agree with you that the media has been notified too early. Chalk that up to the brilliant police officers in Provo...man they're thick.
I feel sorry for all people involved in this case. I hope there are no more stories on this until there is something legit to report!
I wonder | 2:51 p.m. July 13, 2009
I wonder if his white shirt was dirty this morning, or if this an omen? It
seems a bit odd that he would wear blue. Is he sending a subliminal message?
The Laptop | 2:53 p.m. July 13, 2009
But...Would you take the laptop if it belonged to the employer that just fired
you - and the Church that you attend each Sunday?
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