Deseret News | Ex-LDS seminary principal hands over evidence

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Ex-LDS seminary principal hands over evidence

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Anonymous | 11:31 a.m. July 14, 2009

What do you mean zero evidence? They have hundreds of text messages.

There is no excuse | 11:40 a.m. July 14, 2009

I don't think you can call what he did a "mistake" in any way. If you do it more than once, it is no longer a mistake - You are purposely seeking out and acting upon these situations. He took full advantage of his authority as well as the trust his students had in him. The only "victim" here is his poor family. That special unit has been ruined forever.

re Mary Fletcher | 6:56 p.m. | 11:41 a.m. July 14, 2009

If this girl was two, she would be innocent. You make it seem as if a 16 year old has no choice or knowledge.

How old are you? How long has it been since you were 16? Can't you remember?

Comments continue below

Psychologically speaking | 11:46 a.m. July 14, 2009

It just makes you wonder, how long did he think this could go on? How brazen was he to go skinny dipping...outside...whether night or day? What could he possibly have thought the end-game was going to turn out like? I know you might say, he wasn't thinking. But over the course of weeks and months, it has to occur to you that you can't hide something like this indefinately, doesn't it?

Curious | 11:50 a.m. July 14, 2009

I am certain this isn't the place to ask this because everyone here will be sure they know the answer while no one really will... but I find it curious that the police thought the laptop may contain evidence and to get that evidence they allowed the family to copy it and send it to them. Maybe KSL just got the facts wrong but it seems to me they would at the very least have had an independent expert generate the copy of the harddrive. More likely the police would require that they turn over the actual computer. It being possibly owned by the church is irrelevant in this case because it could be evidence.
It just sounds very curious. Sounds to me like the laptop issue has been mishandled by the police going to the media about it and also by the handling of a the copy.

Coach | 12:01 p.m. July 14, 2009

As a coach of women's sports, I had a young female athlete come on to me and disrobe in front of me. I told her she was stupid and to cover herself up, and that she was off the team. It wasn't a problem. Adults need to be adults even when children behave like children. This man failed in every responsibility he had as a man, a teacher, a husband, a religious person, and as a human being. He should be ashamed, and anyone who tries to justify or minimize what he did should be ashamed as well.

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

RE: 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?

What total and complete nonsense. He was just dressing appropriately for the venue. People are going to pick at everything that they can find to condemn him. I grew up in the same neighborhood with him. He is a very decent person from a great family. I do not know if he is guilty or innocent and will wait for the evidence to come out. He does not deserve to be attacked like this from alot of people who he has not wronged and who have no involvement at all in this case. "Let he with no sins cast the first stone"

Trust Not | 12:35 p.m. July 14, 2009

Sexual relations is absolutely wrong but even being alone anywhere with a non-family/friend sixteen year old is wrong for a person in a position of trust. Especially a Seminary teacher. Maybe he didn't have sex with her but what an idiot for putting himself in situations that could lead to problems or even lead to the speculation. If he touched her or exposed himself or even suggested sexual relations I hope he gets some serious punishment and incarceration time.

If it is all fabricated than I am sorry for him and his family and hope they realize they will need to move to another state to escape the judgement that has already been initiated.

Trust is a beautiful thing but it is dangerous and can be destroyed by any participating party at any time.

I hope the truth is revealed and justice is served.

Anonymous | 12:46 p.m. July 14, 2009

"This leads me to wonder just how troubled this teen is and who is the true victim hear."

"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."

"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."

And so on... This is why women who are raped are afraid to come forward - because they are afraid they will be judged themselves, blamed, or disbelieved. I love how quickly we are willing to "forgive" Br. Pratt at the expense of the 16 year old victim.

Oliver | 12:50 p.m. July 14, 2009

To Moracle: It's easy for you to forgive the man, seeing he has not harmed you in any way, but he has harmed the young woman, her parents and his own family. It is their choice now to forgive him or not, not yours or mine.

Also, by commanding us to be forgiving, Christ certainly didn't mean to let everything slide and let criminals go unpunished. He wants us to protect the innocent. And, if forgiveness is desired, there has to be repentance involved.

Stepping back for a moment | 12:53 p.m. July 14, 2009

A week has gone by since this story broke and I find myself now really wondering how in the world Pratt could do what he did. It boggles the mind how a sitting seminary principal could do the things he is accused of. Pratt would have to be mentally ill to take part in all of this but yet my daughter says he is a normal and really great guy who helped her from time to time with some issues she was facing. Perhaps an affair with another women might be understandable (but wrong) but a 16 year old little girl??? Holy smackers what is going on in this guys head??

WOW!!! | 1:02 p.m. July 14, 2009

I think it is just rediculous that every time something happens, the anti-mormon brigade starts blogging. This is a human issue... not a Mormon issue! The only witch-hunt is being played out by you who are biased against the LDS Church. At least some of you are showing maturity,intelligence, and tolerance.

Remember Innocent Until Proven? | 1:42 p.m. July 14, 2009

Give us all a break.....

NO ONE other than the girl accusing this man and the man himself really know the truth of this matter.

Most people on here are saying he's guilty of massive sexual abuse when perhaps it's possible he did nothing wrong. Who REALLY knows? Certainly none of the posters.

If he's innocent, he's innocent.

If he's guilty, he's guilty and he'll spend a long time in jail.

Anti's are frothing at the mouth over this story waaaay before the facts are fully known.

Foolish behavior, if they choose, but they're venom will not stop God's kingdom from progressing.

DJ | 1:44 p.m. July 14, 2009

Working with adolescents of all ilks can easily put a teaching on somebody's wrong side now and then, and teens can be pretty nasty when they want to be. I know of a seminary teacher who was set up by a student who had an ax to grind. The student elicited enough material from the teacher to run screaming "abuse!" to the nearest CPS agency. Of course everyone assumed the teacher was at fault...that's the way of it. Fortunately truth prevailed and the emotional instability of the girl came to light. I don't know what the truth is in this case, but all would be wise to reserve judgement until all the facts have been presented.

Ryan M | 1:49 p.m. July 14, 2009

I was a student of Pratt's. He was honestly the best teacher that any seminary student could wish for. He is a supreme example to many students my age. He was the reason I continued to believe in the LDS church and change my life accordingly. No way that any of this makes sense. Like many of you have said, they have nothing against him. Pratt may have been falsely accused here. If he did do these things then he will get what he has brought upon himself. As far as Im concerned, Pratt would never do this and he was the most faithful LDS member I knew of. He was even a High Counselor in my stake. My heart goes out to him. We know your not guilty Bro. Pratt.

survivor | 1:52 p.m. July 14, 2009

The man who sexually assaulted me at a church camp outing was considered the great church leader, blah, blah. No one believed me so I kept my mouth shut in 1976. Now I remain in therapy and in the church because the principles of the gospel. With that said, it does happen and I am proof. Oh, and nice tears on the news last night.

@ wow! | 1:57 p.m. July 14, 2009

PLEEEEAESE don't start with that "they all hate the Mormons" nonsense. You'll open this up to another hundred off-topic posts.
Alicia

Dorrito | 2:07 p.m. July 14, 2009

Ok, let's say his lawyer said not to say anything beyond "I hope the truth comes out". He could have at least apologized to his wife and kids for putting himself in possibly many vulnerable and questionable situations.

If he did do these acts, he not only affected this girl for the rest of her life but his wife and kid's lives. Probably not worth it eh?

I could see how this could happen. From what people have commented, he is obviously a charismatic man. That feeling of being in control leads to calculated steps of one encounter after another. Then the controller only after it is too late he has lost control of the situation. Denial is a powerful thing.

To Ryan | 2:20 p.m. July 14, 2009

Dream on, blind man.
Jessie

Re: watch his interview | 2:21 p.m. July 14, 2009

these are also indicators of embarrassment. you have been watching too much CSI.

Dear Ryan M. | 2:23 p.m. July 14, 2009

They DO have evidence. That's why he had to appear in court. You don't get called in for nothing.
Just because you liked him does not make him innocent.
And "your" going to benefit from going over your English 101 books.
Aletha

To Wow!!! | 2:30 p.m. July 14, 2009

Yes, some of us are, but it is very difficult.
Bob

Observer | 2:43 p.m. July 14, 2009

What is maddening in reading these comments is how much is being inferred from so little information.

Was Pratt a “monster” who “groomed” an underage girl? Could be. It has happened many times before. But “Coach” relates his own experience where a young woman disrobed in front of him. He resisted. Good for him! Could the female here have come on to Pratt? It’s possible. This, too, has happened before, if not as frequently. If Pratt’s passions got the best of him in that scenario would he be a “monster?” Not to me, although continuing to indulge for months is less understandable.

We simply don’t know what was going on in either person’s head and that is why all of this speculation is unfair to both parties.

People showing compassion for Pratt should not automatically be assumed to be casting doubt upon the victim. We don’t know who she is. Her friends and acquaintances are not likely to appear here. That is why the compassion seems so one-sided.

Time. It’s going to take time for perspective. But it is indeed hard to wait when the story is so emotional and compelling.

Breath Deep | 2:54 p.m. July 14, 2009

PEOPLE!!! Can we please all acknowledge that a 16 year old girl is capable of consenting to sexual relations with a man who is her senior? What's the age of consent in Utah? That's right, it's SIXTEEN!! It's not like he checked a fifth grader out of school for sexual fun. He may be guilty of a crime, but that is ONLY because state statute prohibits this type of sexual contact. Had he not been her teacher, he most certainly would not be in trouble. As for him, the KSL video shows he did it. HE DID IT OKAY!! Great guys make big mistakes and it does not make him a pervert or an evil person. He is a fool and he is going to pay for it, you can feel sorry for him but don't stand up for him.

Sadness all around | 3:05 p.m. July 14, 2009

After all the hoo-haw over this incident has finally settled and justice has been satisfied what is left is simply sadness. Sadness for the 16 year old girl whose innocence is gone and whose life is damaged for ever. Sadness for Mr. Pratt who traded his family, career and church membership for some cheap, bizarre thrills. Sadness for both families whose lives have also been altered dramatically especially on the Pratt side. "Thou shalt not commit adultery or anything like unto it" the Lord commanded. The reason for this commandment is obvious! Sexual sin and perversion destroy all who fall in their paths.

An Observer | 3:05 p.m. July 14, 2009

I do not believe we should be siding with anyone,

WE don't KNOW what happened, if anything happened at all,

WE do not KNOW who is guilty, nor of what, if anything,

LET the courts and system do their job,

and see what comes of it comes it,

BUT WE should NOT be trying, judging, and convicting the MAN nor the YOUNG WOMEN (NOT child she is NOT in grade school, she is NOT wearing diapers) in these forums.

AN Observer | 3:09 p.m. July 14, 2009

An Observer | 3:05 p.m. July 14, 2009
I do not believe we should be siding with anyone,

WE don't KNOW what happened, if anything happened at all,

WE do not KNOW who is guilty, nor of what, if anything,

LET the courts and system do their job,

and see what comes of it comes it,

BUT WE should NOT be trying, judging, and convicting the MAN nor the YOUNG WOMEN (NOT child she is NOT in grade school, she is NOT wearing diapers) in these forums.

I hope | 3:21 p.m. July 14, 2009

You all had the same understanding and restraint with the accused BYU football players.....who by the way were found innocent.

Brian | 3:26 p.m. July 14, 2009

I haven't read all of the comments (I don't have time) but I would like to pass along what I've heard. My friend worked directly under Pratt and also knew this girl. She firmly believes that the accusations are entirely false.

B. | 3:26 p.m. July 14, 2009

He was my seminary teacher, and I am truly shocked by the allegations. In my observation, he was always incredibly appropriate and he has touched thousands of lives.

Obviously I have no idea what happened between him and this girl. But if it comes out that the allegations are correct, I for one will be very surprised and sad.

Dear Brian | 3:36 p.m. July 14, 2009

Yes, and bluebirds are singing, the lion sleeps with the lamb, N. Korea melted down all their nukes, France got tough, RSL won the title, and the Utah Legislture got smart.
Wow, Thanks for informing us.
Michael

RE Anon 9:03 | 3:41 p.m. July 14, 2009

How about the girl's family? You make pleas for his family, how about hers? If this is true, even one part, like checking her out of school, he has majorly messed with her family and especially her!!! Where is your thoughts for her and her family and the way he created turmoil, pain, suffering, etc. with them?

Sure Sure Sure | 3:43 p.m. July 14, 2009

" My friend worked directly under Pratt and also knew this girl. She firmly believes that the accusations are entirely false."

Well, yippidydoo dah! The problem is the girl did not turn him in. The victim attempted to keep this a secret and protect him.

To Sadness Post @ 3:05 | 3:47 p.m. July 14, 2009

Well said...I agree with you!

To "Dear Brian" | 3:50 p.m. July 14, 2009

I guess you're Michael. Thank you for the best laugh I've had today!
You're KILLING me! "France got tough"...ZING!
"RSL won the title".
I had to excuse myself from my cubicle and take a short walk. Everyone was listening to me laugh.
Carla

Thanks Brian 3:26pm | 3:54 p.m. July 14, 2009

Thanks Brian 3:26pm
The check is in the mail too!
The tooth fairy is real!
lol...

Scripture Chasers | 4:08 p.m. July 14, 2009

I thoroughly believe in forgiving and believe most of us don't need to "forgive" him because this isn't about us.

Additionally, to those who seem to be advocating a quick "forgive and get over this," how about the Savior's teachings in Matt. 18:6...

"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drwoned in the depth of the sea."

Regardless of her age or "consent," the law will still classify her as a "a little one" because he was a person of trust. I'm saddened by so many comments that support the teacher and don't mention support or compassion the student when the evidence is unknown.

eagle | 4:18 p.m. July 14, 2009

The press had convicted Fanjul and he was found not guilty. lets wait

Dorrito | 4:26 p.m. July 14, 2009

"The press had convicted Fanjul and he was found not guilty. lets wait"

Not guilty is not the same as innocent.

Regardless, Fanjul is yet a case of another man who put himself and his family in a vulnerable spot. Spending personal time with a student and texting, which he did, is a formula for trouble.

Oregon LDS | 4:29 p.m. July 14, 2009

The first day this came out I called my husband about it. We talked about how this guy had made this poor girl's path so difficult and how much trouble such a thing could cause for her. Then I told him how glad I was our children would go to early morning seminary with a sweet lady with a knowledge of the scriptures like no other, instead of released time seminary with some guy with an attitude of super-cool trying to appear awesome for a bunch of teenagers.

Today, I read that there was no actual physical evidence of the things Pratt is accused of... no texts had yet been found, no proof they had been in abandoned homes or any of the other places listed had been found, nothing but rumors had been found.

Now I am on the fence, either this guy is a slime or someone ruined his life for some other reason. Either way, I feel bad for those hurt by this thing and thrilled for early morning seminary to come.

BTW | 4:37 p.m. July 14, 2009

Does anyone know how and why this guy checked her out of class? The school needs to answer for this. Unless this guy lied and said he was her parent or guardian. What is going on?

Innocent until proven guilty | 4:40 p.m. July 14, 2009

Re: 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. :) "

While you have the right to your opinion of what you believe this to mean, the United States Constitution affords Mr. Pratt, the accused, the right to remain silent, the right to a lawyer, the right to a trial by jury, the right to reasonable search and seizure of his property with a warrant, and the right to assumed innocence until the prosecution has proven him sufficiently guilty.

And if you think such rights for the accused are "idiotic," why don't we accuse you of sexual misconduct with a minor, flog you for remaining silent, throw you in jail with no bail for 5-10 years (or more), and assume you guilty as charged, wrecking your reputation, character, chances for future employment and government benefits?

Are those rights for the accused in the US Constitution still "idiotic" to you now???????

Anonymous | 5:04 p.m. July 14, 2009

Obviously this PRATT man did not act in the best interest of his student. Instead he considered his own interests more important while pleasuring himself.

very fishy | 5:39 p.m. July 14, 2009

it seems to me that this "mountain" of evidence has not surfaced. the prosecutor would have charged him today if they had that. now they are hoping to gleen information from a CES computer. this sounds a little desperate. "witnesses saw them together." where are they now? we have heard so many rumors but have seen no evidence. i think this was a story concocted by a 16 year old girl to look cool to her friends. now a father of three is paying the price. ever thought maybe the reason why she didn't want to talk to the police wasn't to conceal the relationship but was to cover for her own actions? just think, if that is true - this poor mans life is completely destroyed. he will have to move away. who knows if his relationship with his family will ever be the same. is this another fanjul? this makes people want to stay out of teaching. now people are questioning his dimeanor in the words he said or what he was wearing. are you kidding me? if he did this then he will pay. but what if he didn't? what if he didn't?

Cats | 5:48 p.m. July 14, 2009

At this point I really don't what what to think. If he's guilty, he's a complete idiot. But, I would like to know...why haven't they charged him yet? I find that really odd.

I'm going to hope against hope that he's innocent. But, if he's guilty, he's made a mess of a lot of lives as well as being an embarrassment to the Church and the whole community. I just can't understand how people get themselves into these situations.

Truth... at the appropriate time | 5:54 p.m. July 14, 2009

I, as many of you noted, would find it difficult to refrain from shouting "I didn't do it!" from the highest mountain. But then again, cries of innocence are usually declared by both the guilty and the not-guilty. As I considered Mr. Pratt's only public statement, I was reminded of comments made by Sheriff Sgt. Matt Higley to the news media last week. He presented, as fact, “that the couple had a sexual relationships at various locations and exchanged sexually-explicit text messages”. He did not use the words "alleged", "presumed" or "suspected" to qualify his statement. Apparently, Sgt. Higley knows exactly what, where, and how it happened and felt the need to declare this publicly. Sgt. Higley also commented that his department had not yet reviewed records from the cell phone companies, nor had they spoken to Mr. Pratt. What? Vital information had yet to be gathered, including testimony from the accused (that might even produce a different side to the story)? Very interesting. Does anyone else see a problem here - regardless of your views on Mormons, Michael Pratt or victimized teens?

Anonymous | 6:09 p.m. July 14, 2009

Sometimes it take months to charge people, so the fact that they have not charged him yet makes him in no way innocent.

Anonymous | 6:13 p.m. July 14, 2009

the girl isn't even accusing him! she isn't the one that came forward, and when the police confronted her she denied it and wouldn't even talk to them at first. she is just as embarrassed as he is. why would she make up something that will only make her life worse? she is obviously telling the truth

Anonymous | 6:34 p.m. July 14, 2009

I suppose this goes to show that all Mormons are not pre-Gods.

Mac | 7:11 p.m. July 14, 2009

It is easier for the people who are attacking the "victim" to call her the "accuser" because it cats doubt on her. It is very apparent in trying to discredit and make her seem shadowy because this guy is so "Amazing".

She did NOT accuse this man, she was even trying to cover it all up. No matter how this all ends, it will be bad for all parties involved. 16 will get you 20, don't drop the skivies unless it is with your spouse and you too will stay out of jail and spare your family.

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