Deseret News | Ex-LDS seminary principal hands over evidence

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Ex-LDS seminary principal hands over evidence

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Hang em high! | 2:54 p.m. July 13, 2009

Anyone who violates a child in my opinion doesn't need the time or day.

Inspector Gadget | 2:55 p.m. July 13, 2009

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

I have many posts that meet the criteria and are not being posted about this guy but I see some pretty seething attacking comment that do make it.

Anyway, if this makes it, the guy should never have put himself in the situation if the accusation is real or not. This is 2009 and there are predators among us, even if they appear nice. That is how predators work. Many serial killers are known for their charm and that is how they pulled victims in.

IT Guy | 3:00 p.m. July 13, 2009

If there is evidence on the hard drive, the cops will be able to get it unless they are totally incompetent, or unless the hard drive is totally destroyed. It is easy to restore files that have been deleted by an average user.

Comments continue below

anonymous | 3:01 p.m. July 13, 2009

i was one of his students and knowing brother Pratt for the 4 years i have helps me to know that he could never do something like this. i will stand up for him in these comments when i have yet to read another that is standing up for him. those who have saaid that some of these things dont add up are right, sometimes people get scared and do things they shouldnt like the laptop thing, i dont think he sent it out of state i think a family member got defensive and foolishly took the laptop. Brother Pratt helped me to overcome severe depression by reminding me of some scriptures and telling me to read some general conferance talks. he didnt do it, he could never do something like this.

I DON"T misunderstand.. | 3:02 p.m. July 13, 2009

Mu grandfather was a stake president, my father a bishop.
I got out before doing the church a huge disservice by accepting any other callings when I didn't have the faith in my soul.
I highly disapprove of any such controlling religion, but do not condemn others for believing. it just wasn't for me.
A happier, healthier Mike

Innocent Until Proven Guiulty... | 3:05 p.m. July 13, 2009

.... is a legal standard, not a law which forces us to believe someone is actually innocent until proven guilty.

I think it's great that we live in a country where we can express out opinions, however idiotic they may be. :)

Peter Clark | 3:07 p.m. July 13, 2009

As a struggling and inactive LDS teenager, I was put into brother Pratt's class in Viewmont back in 1999. He took me aside on several occasions and constantly lifted and encouraged me. I remember openly weeping as I read a letter that he wrote me telling me what a great individual I was (even though I probably wasn't). He had a huge impact on my life and, ultimately, where I am and who I am today.

All said, good people can, and do, make bad decisions. My hope and prayer is that true justice is served so that healing can begin for all parties involved, especially the abused, if any. I doubt Brother Pratt's guilt, and only hope that his good name can someday be restored, if he is in fact innocent.

"I love you, Brother!"

Not so Deep | 3:08 p.m. July 13, 2009

" . . . was being considered for Bishopric before I left the faith."

As several have noted before, this shows that Mike above was probably never an active member of the LDS faith, and shows how little he knows about the Mormon faith. The point of a "calling" is that you don't lobby for it, and you certainly don't know that you are being considered for a particular position.

Closed minded all around | 3:15 p.m. July 13, 2009

I am very active in the church and I have no clue if he did or didn't do this. I can't believe how narrow minded people are on both sides of this "fence." I understand those who know him being shocked and saying they can't believe it but what I don't understand are those who say, "Even if he did this he's a great guy who made a mistake." WHAT?? IF those things are true...that's no mistake and he's not a good guy no matter what good he may have done! A one-time slip could be a "mistake" but not what he's being accused of. I hope he's innocent but if not, he's not a good guy anymore. IF he did it and he repents, THEN you can judge later if he's a good guy again (but keep him away from my daughters forever!). To those of you anti-members who try to find any excuse to justify your position...well never mind...you won't listen anyway.

Changed for good??? | 3:15 p.m. July 13, 2009

All the comments of how he "changed me for the good" and he "changed my kids" make me wonder how much power or glory this guy needs. Sounds like a magician. Why not just say he was a great influence, I learned alot, he was there for me? "Changing people" seems like what he is being accused of now.

THE TRUTH | 3:16 p.m. July 13, 2009

the victims: Mike Pratt, Mike's family, the 16 year old girl and her family, former students of Mike, the LDS Church seminary system. All of the above are suffering right now and that suffering will continue indefinitely. Interesting to note the terrible suffering that occurs from sexual sin and the wide spread it has on society. Also interesting to note is the grandiose promotion and glamorization of sexual perversion on the internet and TV. Porn sites are the most visited sites on the internet and raunchy network tv programming is the most watched. We see first hand the pain sexual perversion causes yet we freely elect to take part on a daily basis. SATAN IS ALIVE AND WELL IN AMERICA!!!

Anonymous | 3:17 p.m. July 13, 2009

Many children in this world have been sexually abused and there has never been anyone there for them.

Coogseatboogs | 3:19 p.m. July 13, 2009

"I am hopeful that the truth will be fully presented at the appropriate time."

Uh, how about right now? How about, "I didn't do it! I never laid a hand on that girl! The evidence is false!"

Nope, he has been fired and spits out lawyer speak. Look at it again, no denial just waiting for a lawyer to try and get evidence thrown out.

"I am hopeful that the truth will be fully presented at the appropriate time."

Aaron T | 3:20 p.m. July 13, 2009

Don't blame the "liberal media" for covering this. He was arrested and therefore it is a news story.

Some feel "this should never have been publicized unless there was hard evidence." The prosecution felt there was sufficient evidence to arrest and go to trial. The court will have to decide from the evidence if he is guilty or innocent.

His religion is relevant. He's not just a Mormon who was arrested -- rather an instructor of Mormon curriculum who has a position of authority dealing with children and who allegedly committed a crime against an underage girl. That makes it very relevant.

For the sake of all families involved, I hope he is innocent. But that's up to the court to decide -- not me.

Process takes time | 3:23 p.m. July 13, 2009

Unless you are part of the investigation (in which case, shame on you for discussing anything here) or the prosecution (not likely, since Mr. Pratt hasn't been officially charged yet) you really have no idea what manner evidence exists or does not exist. Today's hearing was a review for bail, it was not the forum in which the police would have presented the scope of their evidentiary findings. Yes, it is possible that the text messages referred to might exist only as alleged text messages, but it is just as possible that the police have hard copies of these things. It is simply too early in the investigation for the general public to have any clue what's going on here.

Trials take months. Years even. If the allegations are true, we're not going to have a verdict for a long while yet. Likewise if they are false. As such, it behooves everybody to realize that as dumbstruck as you might be over these events, in all likelihood they have nothing to do with you. So who then are you attacking/defending?

lynn | 3:28 p.m. July 13, 2009

Something IS wrong:
The only church members who may feel "priveledge or entitled" feel that same way regardless of where, what, when, who, or why. It takes one to know one!I have been a member for decades and can not even relate to this statement of yours!

I wonder | 3:38 p.m. July 13, 2009

If he simply checked her out of school (illegally) he is done. It will be very interesting to get all the facts. At this point it does not look good.

DON'T Show me your teeth | 3:39 p.m. July 13, 2009

Never judge a person by their clean cut appearance because they are usually the worst. I hate phony people with big phony grins and who show me their big white veneers when they smile. It totally gives me the heebie Geebies!

John Pack Lambert | 3:40 p.m. July 13, 2009

To the 2:31 commentator,
If the laptop was indeed Church property than taking it was wrong. It was not just any laptop, but appears to have been a laptop that he should not have still had since he had been terminated from his job.

I wonder | 3:40 p.m. July 13, 2009

And I did not see a wedding ring in his picture. The white shirt is a symbol of his profession - and the ring a symbol of his marriage. I can only imagine the conflicts he must be having internally.

innocence and truth | 3:41 p.m. July 13, 2009

I am discouraged by the many posts which defend the teacher while accusing the victim. Although the teacher has a presumption of innocence, the 16 year girl is not presumed to be lying. No wonder sexual assault victims are often hesitant to come forward. I am pleased, however, that the Church has taken the charges seriously and dismissed the teacher.

Utah Mormons | 3:41 p.m. July 13, 2009

Those living in the state of Utah (Mormon and non-Mormons alike) need to step back and look at the overall picture going on in the rest of the world. I have nothing against either party living in the state. I think (and know since I lived there for 12 years) that there are awesome people who are not of the Mormon faith living in Utah. I have lived in Colorado, Kansas and California since leaving Utah and I know the media out here could care less if the suspect was Mormon, Catholic or Atheist. If you would just acknowledge the fact that outside of Utah, religious affliation isn't that big of a deal. Both the Utah LDS and Non LDS factions need to step back from emotional turmoil of "he's picking on me and she's picking on me..." attitudes and let the Law determine the innocent from the guilty. Lets leave religion out of this. I am LDS and love the church. Personally its changed my life for the better, but doesn't exempt me from any law or punishment either.

For Anonymous at 1:08 | 3:48 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*"

No, just because he's LDS does not mean he MUST be innocent HOWEVER.....there have been plenty of Latter-day Saints accused of something that was totally false.

Why don't we wait until the court system and the police dig up some facts and a judge rules in the case and then we'll talk?

Re: Mike @ 1:19 | 3:51 p.m. July 13, 2009

"Mike | 1:19 p.m. - 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"

No, Mike, you left the Church because you chose the easiest path.

Remember Duke University | 3:53 p.m. July 13, 2009

I don't know if this guy is guilty or not--neither do most of the people responding to the story. Remember the press and public essentially convicted the members of the Duke Lacrosse team before all the facts were known. It turned our pretty embarrassing for all who jump to conclusions--not to mention the damage done to the innocent members of the team. Let the process go forward before condeming this guy.

Easy there! | 3:56 p.m. July 13, 2009

I have investigated crimes as a detective in Nevada for 27 years. There is usually fire of some sort when there is smoke of this kind. Rare is the completely empty accusation of sexual impropriety.
I'm not ready to throw him to the lions yet, but there is usually some element of truth when a case like this surfaces.
It's practically textbook. A person of some responsibility and trust has the inside path to a naive ward, and works it slowly and over time.
A surprise attack or rape is entirely different than a plot taking time to develop.
Kind of like the difference between getting held up, and having your money taken in a Ponzi scheme.

I say hold the praise and accolades until this pans out.
Otherwise, you will have been taken in by wit, charm, and trust, just like a sexual victim.

Another Mike

Vegas Resident | 4:09 p.m. July 13, 2009

First of as mentioned...NO BODY KNOWS WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE BEING CONSIDERED FOR A BISHOPRIC MEETING!!(Probably reason you left the Church/faith)

I was born and raised in Ut. and have realized many faults and strengths of Church members. That's what makes the Church great is that the rules are set, we decide for ourselves if we want to follow them or not. We should support everyone regardless of religion because faith is an individual thing.

I will commend those of you who left the church for the purpose of seeking other things. Can we put an end to the openly used term "Jack Mormon?" Please take a stand and be proud of yourself.

Last but not least, there is a reason why the church promotes modesty in dressing....even for those kids in Jr. High AND HIGH SCHOOL. This is not an excuse or reason for people to fall into tempatation, but if your a parent who wants to avoid such a tragic event, help your kids. Parents who don't want to get in that position, support your kids and avoid the temptation. It's time for parents to be help accountable

Religion is relevant | 4:17 p.m. July 13, 2009

to the extent that he was a religious leader of sorts. We do and ought to expect a higher standard of conduct from religious leaders. Afterall, their chosen "job/profession" is to remind us of God's commandments and teachings. We are/will be held accountable to our level of knowledge.

There must be enough evidence since the Church quickly fired him.

If guilty, Pratt is certainly not a victim. He is (allegedly) the perpatrator. If guilty, the crime he committed didn't just devastate his family, the girl and her family but every student he's taught for the past many years.

How interesting that so many are ready to forgive him, yet how quickly and harshly others are judged.

Californian #1@94131 | 4:18 p.m. July 13, 2009

** "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." **

You KNEW you were being considered for the bishopric? Did the Lord share His musings on the matter with you before telling your SP?

It's amazing how many people "leave the faith" but can't leave it alone. Then with all this spare time since they don't "have to" do the Lord's work on their "own time," instead of volunteering at a hospital or park they spend it here bashing Mormons. What a sad life that must be.

I doubt it's so much that people "leave the faith," but that their faith leaves them. Occe that happens, ...well, look up "buffet" and "sift" in the scriptures.

I'm an e-m seminary teacher and expect to be held to the same standards. I don't know how guilty or innocent this guy is, but indeed, if there is any error to be made, the Church must err on the side of protecting youth.

Fredrick from O.C. | 4:20 p.m. July 13, 2009

The fuel that is driving this sad story continues unabated. It would be wise for those who rush to condem to take a pill and chill. There are thousands of seminary teachers/administrators in the LDS Church and to expect all to be perfect all the time is not reality. I speak from experience because when I was a very young boy, a male intern sexually molested me whilst I was in the hospital for tests. He waited till it was dark and the staff was small. The guilt and shame made me feel so dirty even though intellectually I was the victim. I dealt with this by going into deep denial. I later decided to forgive this person and a big part of the guilt left me. I moved on with my life and finally did tell my wife who got me into counseling that was successfull. I want the truth. If he's found guilty, I will leave judgment and justice to others. If you can't forgive him, you will find that bitter poison eating away at you. My advice is to let it go.

An Observer | 4:22 p.m. July 13, 2009

Someone 16 years old is NOT a child.

They are a young man or a young women,

They ARE old enough to know right from wrong,

They accountable for what they chose to do.

DO NOT make easy excuses for them.

THat being said,

As I have in a commented in a previous story,

LET THE SYSTEM WORK,

DO NOT LEAP TO CONCLUSIONS!

IT is Quite evident they are many anti-mormons and ex-mormons, who want to think the worst mormons.

And HOW many times have had a teen-age YOUNG WOMEN make false allegations for attention, out of anger, or to hide something else.

Really Upset | 4:24 p.m. July 13, 2009

Sending the Laptop out of state was definitely wrong. It wasn't his to send. I am very ashamed of a fellow Seminary teacher that would put himself in such a position and have such accusations pointed at him. News Flash, if you work for the church and teach the youth and you do any of the things you know are not acceptable behavior, just quit before it comes to the surface. You are a complete embarrassment to us all. Just get another job, really. I am being serious!

Bart | 4:24 p.m. July 13, 2009

If I were falsely accused of ANY crime, I would be screaming my innocence until they sedated me.
A mealy "I am hopeful that the truth...." is not a huge confidence booster for his proclaimed innocence.
As a cop in Seattle, we would look for certain elements that would help us make decisions, and if that is profiling, well...I'm sorry, but gut instinct is another term for "profiling". You have to form opinions and act fast.
While I applaud our system for providing a fair trial, I would hate to be the attorney defending this guy.
I will not jump to a firm conclusion, but I suppose you can see which way I lean. Accusations of sexual abuse are usually rooted in some form of fact.
Iwould hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.
B.W.

presumption and truth | 4:32 p.m. July 13, 2009

Although the teacher has a presumption of innocence, the girl should not be presumed to be telling a lie. If the girl is telling the truth, she is being victimized again by those who attack her account of what transpired.

coogseatboogs | 4:34 p.m. July 13, 2009

Blaming victims only discourages victims of sexual assault and predatory practices. No one of any religion is exempt from being a predator. This is not a Mormon/non mormon issue, this is a sexual predator issue. Predators need to take note, do this and when you get caught, this is what will happen.

Don't want this to happen to you? Don;t be alone with a minor when you are a person in a position of trust.

Hey Duke... | 4:42 p.m. July 13, 2009

Duke cannot be a comparison here. A hired stripper vs. a high school student? Get real! If he did just one of the things, checked her out of school, sent one sexual text message, or anything related to improper touching, he has consequences to pay. This isn't an all adult situation and he was a person on trust!

ROI | 4:42 p.m. July 13, 2009

Yes, I do think that it was appropriate for them to take his kids out of town. Under these circumstances, you bet, protect the kids how you can. Taken them where you must. AND if they were your kids so would you !!!!

It is the media that is making something out of the computer being taken out of town, AT THIS POINT. Let them examine it before you read betweeen the lines.

The cops blew it when they didn't get the computer up front at the time of arrest, don't blame the accused for lazy police work. When the cops got around to asking it, he gave it up.

Why wasn't anyone out at the mine over the weekend. Whatever evidence could be long gone by now. Lazy Lazy Lazy

The victim deserves better police work. and IF this guy is innocent so does he !!!!!!!

Law enforcement and the prosecutors need to get their act together. Asking the accused to avoid areas until we can get there and search. WHAT A JOKE !!!!!

In fact I think we should all be asking for better police work. Take a statement and call the media, is not law enforcement.

LP Kids need direction | 4:49 p.m. July 13, 2009

Kids at LP need to have a sit down with their parents and have explained to them it is ok to take good advise from a seminary teacher but don't base your belief system on a person otherwise you will be disappointed because all people make mistakes. The basis of your beliefs needs to be focused on the Savior and establishing a personal relationship with Him (see Helaman 5:12).

Anonymous | 4:52 p.m. July 13, 2009

o please he is so guilt... anyone that think differently is kidding themselves. i dont care if he is the nicest guy in the whole world, he is guilty so get over it.

Re: An Observer | 4:57 p.m. July 13, 2009

Your ignorance is astounding. Let's hope you aren't in any kind of leadership position. Please don't tell anyone you're Mormon.

The fact, is rape is an UNDER-REPORTED crime. Why? Because in court, the victim often gets victimized again.

So why do you suppose the LDS Authorities so quickly fired Pratt?

@An Observer | 4:57 p.m. July 13, 2009

That is right, look the other way when one of your heroes is caught doing something that is wrong. "Well we don't know the whole story, we need to wait and see"

If you afforded that to EVERYONE that has been accused of committing a crime then so beit, but I seriously doubt you for a second thought someone like MJ or OJ were innocent.

Anonymous | 5:00 p.m. July 13, 2009

o my goodness! all you people that say there is no evidence and he is innocent are killing me!! wake up...

All Bush's fault | 5:03 p.m. July 13, 2009

this is all Bush's fault I'm certain.

Anonymous | 5:06 p.m. July 13, 2009

Anonymous | 12:20 p.m. July 13, 2009
This guy got the shaft from the Church too

The church doesn't shaft anyone! it was obviously the other way around.

Dweeb | 5:16 p.m. July 13, 2009

To An Observer,
Many younger people look up to an older person for guidance, so the older person has better chance of swaying a younger person into the unthinkable. Quit picking!

Anonymous | 5:19 p.m. July 13, 2009

Pratt is as guilty as sin.

Super Dell | 5:26 p.m. July 13, 2009

If I were accused of this and I was innocent, I would yell and scream into the first mic until they TASED me bro!

"I hope the truth comes out?" Tell us right here right now what is the truth if it will not incriminate you?

Shame | 5:27 p.m. July 13, 2009

I have problems with a religion who would side with the perpetrator.

re: Deep Thinker | 5:28 p.m. July 13, 2009

allegations like these would warrant immediate law suits without substantial proof and I don't think KSL or The Des News are that foolish. Both KSL are Des News are partly owned by the lds church so there is no bone to pick for either of them. Obviously there is substantial proof of everything reported and we now proceed to the formal hearing and trial where the evidence is usually enhanced - not dismissed. My guess is Mike is in even more trouble than already reported and will be headed for the point of the mountain state pen in 6 months or less.

Reginald | 5:55 p.m. July 13, 2009

If you watch the video where he makes his statement, that is the smirk I have seen from when a child is in trouble and he/she knows it and is trying to wriggle out. The body language of this guy speaks volumes and it isn't indicating a person that did nothing. This guy is in deep. Victims: the victim, the families, the church.

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