Deseret News | Ex-LDS seminary principal hands over evidence

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Ex-LDS seminary principal hands over evidence

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Watch his interview | 6:05 p.m. July 13, 2009

If you watch him closesly, he pauses, looks down and looks away. These are all clasic indicators of lying.

RE: Shame | 6:10 p.m. July 13, 2009

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

What religion is siding with this dude? He was released by the church from his Seminary Principal position the moment the allegations surfaced! So, I'm not sure I understand which religion you are talking about?!

idahogal | 6:25 p.m. July 13, 2009

To I wonder...
I would hope you don't judge all men by whether or not they wear a wedding ring. My husband grew too big for his... I bought him another one... It disappeared when we laid new carpet in our house. that was nearly 10 years ago. We haven't been able to afford another one. Because he doesn't wear a wedding ring he is somehow guilty of something... Pulease... can't we use better reasoning than this.

Comments continue below

Wow... from So Cal | 6:33 p.m. July 13, 2009

This is all so pathetic. I know a LP girl who lied about this same stuff last year to keep out of trouble, let's hope she isn't ruining this guys life now too. At the same time, Pratt's an idiot for being alone with a student. I would love to see that video mentioned above so I can see how he acts. Being around law enforcement and prosecutors, I know things take time and none of them are lazy, or stupid. Ever thought they didn't know about the laptop at first? Also, it was "stolen" if Pratt was already terminated and took it with him. He probably was trying to delete evidence. You think the police or prosecutors are going to let the media get information of evidence they are still working on to build the case against him? NO! I grew up being molested, it was blown off. Too shameful. I pray this girl gets help, if she was molested or is lying, either way she needs help now! Most kids don't make up these things though. Her parents need to get her a counselor now! Oh, bashing Mormons is so immature.

Jeff | 6:35 p.m. July 13, 2009

There is a disconcerting lack of compassion for the victim in these many messages. Makes me wonder whether many of you take sexual abuse of a minor seriously. No minor gets involved in a relationship like this without a large degree of manipulation.

Many of you say the 16-year-old should know better, but don't seem to recognize various degrees of inappropriate displayed by the middle-aged seminary principal.

Don't let the wool be pulled over you eyes no matter how well you knew this guy. This thread gives the credibility of church members a huge black eye.

Ex-Mormons | 6:38 p.m. July 13, 2009

All the comments of the ex-mormons in here are hilarious. They all say they left the church because of things like this article and the comments listed, not because of anything else. They left because they were "offended" which is the "best" excuse to leave any religion. I agree that Mormons in Utah are hilarious and easy to make fun of, but I don't leave the entire organization of a faith I believe in because people are idiots, like those that leave because of other idiots. Get a life. You can be a Mormon in Utah without being a Utah Mormon.

I actually know the family... | 6:45 p.m. July 13, 2009

I grew up in the Pratt's neighborhood in Orem and know they are good people. He made a mistake by having any type of relationship with this student, whether sexual or not (we'll find out with the evidence that comes to court). He'll have to pay for that mistake in court if it's true, if not, he needs to be more careful. As a teacher I always have another person in my room when students need to talk, or I talk to them in front of the secretary in the front office. He did stupid things and I think he'll have to serve time in jail if it's true. Don't judge the family or his surroundings, he made the choice. People that blame a whole for the mistakes of a few are ignorant and try to find an excuse to blame the entire organization.

Anonymous | 6:48 p.m. July 13, 2009

everyone that says they side with pratt are gonna feel pretty stupid when all the evidence is brought forward.

Mary Fletcher | 6:56 p.m. July 13, 2009

I think that every avenue for search and discovery should be made possible for the 16 year old involved. We should not be concerned about a 37 year old man, but for the innocent 16 year old child's well being. I don't believe in false "prophets" questionable histories or any other made up mystical bunk that millions of people claim is the truth; but, I do believe that if the INNOCENT 16 year old CHILD's parents are concerned, it is conceivable that Pratt is a pedophile. It needs to be found out, and soon. Happy, loving, supportive Mormon people, it could be YOUR 16 year old NEXT.

anonymous girl-17 yrs old | 7:15 p.m. July 13, 2009

I read this and the comments and I go back to the time I was 14 years old, and was seduced by an adult, he was married and an Elder in our church. It took all the courage I had to tell my mom, and then everyone in our church stood up for him. I was victimized twice, because I had to relive the entire thing in court, in front of everyone. He led me on the same way, gained my trust, befriended me, gentle, kind, funny, giving, my rock, someone I could call no matter what time, because he gave me a cell phone... it took him about 6 months, then he made his move. I read this article and I know in my heart, he is a pedophile. I know how he worked and the parents are concerned, there is the red flag there. I would really HATE to be the 16 year old reading all these letters sticking up for the "poor guy". I really applaud those who are concerned for the girl. You are my heroes.

i must admit | 7:17 p.m. July 13, 2009

I was thinking we should give him the benefit of the doubt, but not so much after I saw his video on ksl.com. He said he hopes the truth will come out at the appropriate time. What's inappropriate about proclaiming your innocence with a news camera in your face? All he has to say is "I am completely innocent of these charges and look forward to proving that in court so I can get my life back."
A good friend was falsely accused and was eventuallly exonerated. He was so relieved, but said it would have been nice to get on the stand and under oath, proclaim his innocence to the world. The charges were dropped after the trial started because it was very evident his accuser was lying. She accused him (her teacher) because she was mad at him. I wonder how she feels all these many years later, realizing now the horror she put an innocent man and his family through.

John Gilmore | 7:17 p.m. July 13, 2009

"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!"

Is this really an issue of liberal or conservative? How can someone honestly think that liberals are more opposed to Mormonism than Conservatives, when it was the staunch conservatives of this country that made it absolutely certain that a Mormon would not be their president?

Brother Pratt was a tie for the best seminary teacher I ever had, Viewmont, circa 2003 or so. I feel awful for him, but mostly for his family and the accuser and her family. I'm a rational person; it's hard to imagine that he is innocent.

What's being ignored is the problem that the LDS church promotes: having teenage girls tell stories of "sexual sin" to bishops. When they are afraid to go to their bishops, they go to their seminary teachers. I've seen it happen. Either way, you have a sexually mature young girl telling a sex story to an adult man. And she thinks she has to or she can't be forgiven.

Systemic Issue.

his ring | 7:18 p.m. July 13, 2009

Maybe his wedding ring was pawned or sold to help raise bail money.

John Gilmore | 7:19 p.m. July 13, 2009

for clarification (assuming my previous post shows up before this one does), I've seen high school peers talk to seminary teachers about their problems, and their sin problems among them. Seminary teachers help soften the blow and encourage them to meet with their bishop.

Concerned Parent | 7:22 p.m. July 13, 2009

Those of you who are blaming the girl for making false accusations, apparently did not read the reports last week that referred to some one other than the girl reporting this. When the police went to her she at first did not want to cooperate but finally gave in and told them what had been going on between her and brother Pratt. It sounded like she was trying to hide this. It was not as though she went to police first and turned him in. Chances are the charges against him will stand. Whoever was comparing him to Joseph Smith earlier in their comments......what a joke, get real!

Mormon? | 7:39 p.m. July 13, 2009

To me it makes no difference if he's Mormon or not. I don't want ANYONE, Mormon or not, molesting my kids, so I want 'em all locked up. But I also don't want innocent people locked up (can you imagine going to prison for something you didn't do?), so I am glad for the court system, and not just for a bunch of people on the internet to vote based on limited information from the media. I have no opinions, yet, if he's guilty or not. I guess we'll see what evidence they come up with.

Bad behavior not needed | 8:19 p.m. July 13, 2009

People who don't learn self control are weak. They are not to be trusted. We all want righteous leaders who have complete self control over their lives and morals, or otherwise they are not worth following or having around. They are a bad influence to everyone.

Be careful who you stand up for! | 8:41 p.m. July 13, 2009

Please people! Just because you have casually known someone for years, please don't think you really know everything they are capable of doing. Be careful who you stand up for!

SADENED BY COMMENTS | 8:52 p.m. July 13, 2009

Please remember that this girl is real and has family. This man is real and has a wife and children. All of this news is very sad and another example of how Saten likes to create contention.

If this issue is true, how sad for all families involved. So much has been lost. If it isnt true, there is loss as well.
Dont add to an already difficult situation for all families involved.

So Cal Gal | 9:02 p.m. July 13, 2009

Bad behavior not needed

"People who don't learn self control are weak. They are not to be trusted. We all want righteous leaders who have complete self control over their lives and morals, or otherwise they are not worth following or having around. They are a bad influence to everyone."

Are you a parent? Do you have self control over all of your weaknesses? If not, you're not fit to be a parent. Do you have a job? If you do not have complete self control over all of your weaknesses you're not fit to be employed.

Even the highest of church leaders struggle with weaknesses. Get off of your high horse. Unless you are Christ, you're not perfect!

16 year old child | 9:48 p.m. July 13, 2009

I will ALWAYS side with the child--I worked for DCFS for 16 years. I don't care what the allegations, we need to listen to the children. I think that everyone is forgetting that there is a 16 year old girl somewhere who is suffering. I seriously don't care if he was a Bishop or whatever, a crime is a crime. Seminary teachers are not exempt. I think that we could all take a lesson---nobody is exempt from temptation.

Anonymous | 9:56 p.m. July 13, 2009

Even if proven innocent, this guy's life is ruined. What a great justice system we have! And what a great media too!

Thank you | 10:18 p.m. July 13, 2009

Thank you to the courageous person/people who did report! When abuse is suspected it is the law to report it to DCFS. It takes courage to make a call on behalf of a child and yes, a 16 year old is a child. As a mother and an educator, thank you.

My thoughts are with a 16 year old whose life has been forever changed.

Kristen | 10:23 p.m. July 13, 2009

I don't know him. I do know that he has been a positive influence on many of my friends and even my brother. I haven't heard anything completely set in stone, hard evidence that proves he's innocent or guilty, still waiting to hear about the laptop... have they gotten any proof of texts yet from the phone companies?
I believe the church is right in sacking him, at least for now. "We believe in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." how would we be showing that if we allowed him to keep his place as a teacher of our faith while contradicting, or suspected of contradicting, our beliefs? I hope it's a misunderstanding, but either way, it's not my place to judge, and I admire him for the example he was to my peers before this incident. People change. The church doesn't, it is still true. We are praying for the best, hoping the truth comes out and that those involved can find peace and comfort no matter the result.

former Orem JHS teacher | 11:45 p.m. July 13, 2009

This guy is well-liked by students and adults. No one is questioning his charisma or personality. The question at hand is whether he acted inappropriately with a minor.

The guy used to teach seminary at Orem Jr. HS. High school is a whole other ball of wax. It is very unfortunate as it smears many teachers (seminary or otherwise) who act appropriately at all times. The shadow cast is a large one.

Hypocrisy | 12:01 a.m. July 14, 2009

It is unbelievable the double standard some of you are showing.

Had this been a catholic priest or a Muslim spiritual leader, you'd all be declaring him guilty!

The questions aren't about his ability to teach or win over friends, but are about his moral and legal interactions with students. Now, look at the evidence:

#1 He checked this girl out of school at least 3 times. This is inappropriate as he's not her legal guardian. Records are kept at the school. This is evidence people.
#2 They have hundreds of text messages. Hundreds. You can't just make this up. Again, EVIDENCE.
#3 Many accounts of their "love" in abandoned homes near the school, excursions up Provo Canyon, and in Hot Springs.
#4 Detailed accounts of their "love."

It's not matter of IF he had a completely inappropriate relationship, but how many did he have!

Listen, it doesn't matter if he was the coolest teacher at Orem High or the best Seminary Principal at Lone Peak, he clearly is a criminal! He deserved to be fired and I hope an example is made out of him. Where much is given, much is expected.

Anonymous | 12:02 a.m. July 14, 2009

The parents reported this not the girl. ALWAYS check your kids cell phone records and text messages. That is why they went to the police. The daughter did not want this to happen. The parents knew they had to protect their daughter from this man.

Many are going to support this guy. That is fine. However don't call the girl the accuser. She didn't accuse him. She believes he loves her, just didn't quite keep the relationship a secret.

Boise/Pam | 12:21 a.m. July 14, 2009

The bigger they are the harder they fall. His family had no business to take the computer if it belonged to the church. That is very suspicious right there. Obstruction of justice. Will probably find plenty on his cell phone. Doesn't matter if you are LDS, Catholic, Baptist, whatever. They are all susceptible to sin. I would be able to support his family but not him if charges are true. It is a heinous crime. He darn well knows by all teachings and the law it is wrong.
Absolutely no excuse for his actions, except lust.

I stand all amazed | 12:31 a.m. July 14, 2009

In the Bible we read:

Jesus was on the Mount of Olives and the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and asked if she should be stoned. And Jesus lifted up himself, and said unto them,
“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”

I am amazed that more of us are not “convicted by our own conscience”? Have we never sinned? Are we all so pure that we can stand as judges; that we can argue and rant about what should happen to this man?

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

only in utah | 12:52 a.m. July 14, 2009

There is no way this guy would be getting this much support if he was a catholic priest in utah. seminary teachers can be creeps just like anyone else. Ill never forget when a seminary teacher, sitting behind me took his bible and smacked me over the head with with it, a little ironic, but i suppose there's nothing like someone trying to literally beat the "word of god" into my head lol, unfortunatley i must have a thick skull. I suppose this is why i dont trust people who think they always holier than thou, because they all too often are suppressing who they really are, and when that side come out, it typically comes out with bad results

RE: I wonder | 4:08 a.m. July 14, 2009

Where did you come up with that, sure glad your not on the jury, you would convict a guy on the color of his shirt!.

SLC gal | 7:10 a.m. July 14, 2009

Those of you that are getting upset becuase the media dares to mention he's LDS- um, he was a LDS seminary principal - is there really a way around the topic of his religion? How many seminary programs does Lone Peak run?

Kansan and LDS | 8:15 a.m. July 14, 2009

Pratt's religion is relevant to this story because his religion was his profession. And, his profession was the source of his association with the young woman.

I agree that there are times that the press may focus inordinately on an accused person's faith if they are Mormon but I don't think is is one of those cases.

Oliver | 8:30 a.m. July 14, 2009

To I stand all amazed: Of course we all "sin", but we are talking about a minor here, a person that needs to be protected from people like that principal. A relationship like that is not ok, even if it was "consensual". The principal used his position of power to have an illicit relationship with a minor. If all this is true. And if its true he has to be judged and punished according to our laws.
Defending the sinner, like some here do, is a serious blow to the little girl and her family.

To the LDS | 8:54 a.m. July 14, 2009

Not all Mormons are good. Not all non-Mormons are bad.

Why | 8:59 a.m. July 14, 2009

The cops didn't seize the laptop immediately?! Why not?

Anonymous | 9:02 a.m. July 14, 2009

The cops only got a copy of the hard drive?! Well there won't be any evidence there.

Anonymous | 9:03 a.m. July 14, 2009

I've never seen such a list of charges in my life! Normally we see something like "Child molestation" or "sexual abuse with a minor", etc. Not this time. We also have a reluctant 16 year old who said that it was consensual. His life is ruined. He's lost his job, probably will lose his church standing, may possibly lose his familiy, lost respect, lost income, etc. If he truly did all of these he deserves that and more. I can't imagine the depth of pain his family feels. They are the ones who need our help.

sheeeeesh! | 9:05 a.m. July 14, 2009

Where are the morals of some of you people siding with this guy. I pity the young girl and the families.

Not guilty? | 9:07 a.m. July 14, 2009

Why is he not hopping mad, jumping up and down, screaming his innocence and fighting tooth and nail?
Why is he fidgeting and only offering up a weak hope for the truth to come out? Why?
Because he is guilty. And he's an idiot if he, or any other pedophile and adulterer thought could continue on with impunity and without consequence.
Michael

Doodles | 9:18 a.m. July 14, 2009

Is it not reasonable that the 16 year old girl has a computer with all the alleged emails that would match up with Brother Pratt's alleged emails? Is there a way to substantiate the evidence on the computer drives of both computers? It seems to me that all the speculation here is running rampant. Does the young woman have more evidence than her say so?

Sadly we have many disturbed teens and many unstable adults. I hope that this miserable situation will be resolved with the truth.

enough already | 10:06 a.m. July 14, 2009

i find it interesting he wasn't charged. if the evidence is so overwhelming like the prosecutor implied it was a few days ago he should have been. maybe this is more of a story of he said she said. i certainly hope her credibility stands up. if she has lied or embellished about anything for whatever reason i feel very sorry for this man. regardless she needs help. LP students seem to have an idea of who she is. the one i talked to does not exactly put her in the credible column. if that is true, this mans life has been completely destroyed because of a 16 year old with a vivid imagination and an obsession with her seminary teacher. that would be quite devistating for all. maybe we should all shut up and see what comes out insteaad of speculating so much. BTW "i wonder" who cares what color shirt he was wearing? what a weird comment.

Frank | 10:29 a.m. July 14, 2009

I kinda have to agree with the poster @9:07 a.m.

I'm all for not judging him until he is declared innocent or guilty, but he doesnt seem to be standing up for himself much, at least compared to other similar situations.

DrJ | 10:46 a.m. July 14, 2009

If I can only have my family flee with my computer out of state, they won't be able to find any evidence to prosecute me! I'm so excited! Now I need to send my family to all the other sites where there is evidence. Maybe they can hide all that evidence too! I love my family. So willing to cover up and fix my tiny little moral hickups...

0 evidence and a boxcar | 10:50 a.m. July 14, 2009

Come on --- they claim he went and did these acts in a boxcar! What idiot would take a 16 year old girl to the sites alleged in the paper or by the police. When this is done the police who pursued this whole shenanigan will answer for their stupidity. I don't know the guy and believe that too many teachers prey upon the innocent but this sounds like a witch hunt. They say he needs to stay away from some mines!

Think -- would you pick a mine if you had access to other places like a hotel? This is a sham!

innocent until guilty? | 10:52 a.m. July 14, 2009

I want to clarify a common misconception that seems to be rampant in these posts: the concept of "innocent until proven guilty" only exists in the courtroom. Individuals or the public is not held to this standard. They have the right to make up their minds one way or another at any time.

If you are a juror in this case, supposing it goes to court, you will be asked to consider the suspect innocent until proven guilty.

Moracle | 10:59 a.m. July 14, 2009

Many of those posting here seem to be unaware of the fact that Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extend their love and forgiveness to all people of all faiths, or of no faith.

Why assume that when offered to one of their own, that they ONLY offer it to their own. It's a way of life, a tenent of their religion, to forgive and love the sinner, as well as the righteous.

Gordon B. Hinckley counseled:

"If there be any who nurture in their hearts the poisonous brew of enmity toward another, I plead with you to ask the Lord for strength to forgive. A true and magnanimous spirit of forgiveness will become an expression of...required repentance."

Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > June 1991

And The Lord, himself, said: “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.” (D&C 64:10)

Please note the words: "required to forgive all men" in the teachings of the Lord and His Church.

Forgiveness shown for this brother is the rule, not the exception to the rule.

Anonymous | 11:02 a.m. July 14, 2009

"I hope the truth will come out"

You mean you hope the girl will not testify? If you are innocent say so, the media is right there.

Those still ripping on the victim, she did not turn him in, she tried to stop all this. Classic signs of a predator affecting his victim.

Anonymous | 11:17 a.m. July 14, 2009

To Ex-Mormons,

"All the comments of the ex-mormons in here are hilarious. They all say they left the church because of things like this article and the comments listed, not because of anything else. They left because they were "offended" which is the "best" excuse to leave any religion."

You have no idea why any individual leaves the Church. But I know of at least one person who left because he was sickened by hypocrites like you who judge people unrighteously!

"I don't leave the entire organization of a faith I believe in because people are idiots, like those that leave because of other idiots."

How convenient that your entire Church is built upon Joseph Smith's accusations that a few individual Popes and whatnot were idiots, but he said the entire Christian tradition was in APOSTASY because of the bad behavior of a few! Sure, just throw out thousands of years of Western civilization because of the mistakes of a few!

Does the word hypocrite mean anything to you?

Huh?? | 11:22 a.m. July 14, 2009

Someone blamed the clothes teenagers wear as too much of a temptation??? Where's the adults accountablity in this reason?? I don't get it. A child is a child regardless of what she wears or in some cases doesn't. Lets not blame the minor for this!

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