Deseret News | Ex-LDS seminary principal hands over evidence

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Ex-LDS seminary principal hands over evidence

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A friend | 8:11 p.m. July 14, 2009

I have lived in Utah for a few years and I am sickened by what is considered newsworthy here. If this ever happened in the state's I've lived in the newspapers and news stations would be sued.
I do know Mike, his wife and children. He was an excellent seminary teacher. My children learned so much from him and I was so grateful. His wife is so sweet and I was so glad to hear she had left the situation, right away. I know his wife pretty well and I can say without a doubt she would NEVER try to hide information from the police. I am just sad. There are many kids and parents from his former school who love him and fought to get into is class. He had an incredable gift in teaching and hundreds of kids were blessed by him. I don't know what really happened but I know many of his former students are just too sad to comment on this situation and that many are praying for him, his family and the young lady. Maybe we should all take a page from them and pray for all involved.

Student | 11:37 p.m. July 14, 2009

I support Bro Pratt 100%

Just a thought... | 12:32 a.m. July 15, 2009

I’m sure the police had nothing better to do than make up & put in a probable cause statement that this man:

1-"Checked the girl out of school without her parents knowledge at least 3 times”.

2- “Took her up Provo Canyon to Bridal Veil Falls, where he touched her breasts & genital area & kissed her".

3- "Began a sexual relationship with the girl in May.

4-Met or traveled to numerous locations around Utah County to engage in sexual acts, including oral sex".

5- "Sent a lot of sexually-explicit text messages back and forth".

6-“Was seen skinny dipping in the pond in Goshen with her by someone watching in a car.”

THEN...

7- The police had "nothing better to do" so they arrested him on suspicion of:

3 counts of aggravated kidnapping.
Unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old. Aggravated forcible sexual abuse.
10 counts of forcible sodomy.
Object rape.
Lewdness.
3 counts of burglary.
Criminal trespassing.
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
10 counts of enticing a minor.

I'm sure NONE of this is true.

Go down tho the courthouse & get the probable cause statement.

Are you guys in denial?!

Comments continue below

Justice System | 12:48 a.m. July 15, 2009

He didn't say he was "innocent" - he just said he's looking forward to the "truth" coming out... Then again, O.J. is looking forward to finding the REAL killers, too. No one is jail ever thinks they did anything wrong!

Good People - Bad Decisions | 12:49 a.m. July 15, 2009

Folks, his religion has nothing to do with it. Good people everyday make bad decisions. Crimes of passion happen every day, to all kinds of people, in all walks of life, of all faiths. I am LDS, and i KNOW of several instances where honorable men in positions of authority who have been tempted into very poor decisions that have destroyed their their life's work. His religion, employer or any past good deeds have nothing to do with whether he can be led astray. Even the nicest most well intentioned can be lured to poor decisions.

All that said, I have personal experience with the Duke Lacrosse case, covering that event. And I have also seen the damage a premature jump to a decision can be. But unfortunately cases like that are the exception.

Conclusions that he is guilty or that she is lying are equally wrong. Like said before, there are only a handful of people who know what really happened. Until they have had their chance to put their case forward, everyone needs to just take a step back and let the process work.

Ex-Mormons | 12:50 a.m. July 15, 2009

Re: Anonymous | 11:17 a.m.

I don't know the reason EVERYONE leaves the church, never said I did. Just the people that commented on this site. Learn how to read.

Also, Joseph Smith did say that there was an apostacy and gave examples, but guess what? He didn't leave an organization because he didn't belong to any! And guess what else? The church teaches people to pray about contents of LDS doctrine to join the church, not "Nobody will offend you or make a mistake in the church."

Does "uneducated" ring a bell about your life?

RE: Ex Mormons | 12:57 a.m. July 15, 2009

I agree, if you believe in a faith you stay in the faith no matter the people. If people suck then it's hard to go to Church, but people in an Church don't change the doctrine taught. People that leave the Church because they don't believe in it or don't want to live the principles, that's understandable.

Going on with this case, doesn't matter who you are you can have temptation and fall. His position is mentioned and he works for the Church, so of course they mention that he's LDS because of his occupation. They aren't picking on the guy.

For everyone whining about Mormons defending their own but jumping on others...how do you know everyone defending him is Mormon? You don't. Everyone can have their own opinion. If someone was his student it'll be harder for them to believe, but that doesn't mean they can't defend him. It's a free country, don't be hypocrites.

Not a Student | 8:08 a.m. July 15, 2009

I don't support him 100%

Pay attention | 8:14 a.m. July 15, 2009

The LDS CHurch isn't going to unload this guy from his job unless they felt there was just cause. I bet Church lawyers and investigators are already involved investigating this. This guy is in big trouble.

o evidence and a bpxcar | 9:22 a.m. July 15, 2009

"Think -- would you pick a mine if you had access to other places like a hotel?"

Mines are free. With a hotel room, you have to explain away credit card receipts, or at the very least tell your wife where the cash went, especially if this was happening as often as it was claimed to have happened. Additionally, what are the chances that somebody might see them if they go somewhere public? Who else is gonna be up at the mines?

Just curious | 9:45 a.m. July 15, 2009

Why is it that when members refer to non or ex-members they cite offense or that the gospel is perfect but its members aren't as insight into why people leave or don't join? It is possible that people leave for a variety of reasons. And I highly doubt that people who comment on this board leave for those reasons alone. Sometimes faith is canceled out by facts. But believe whatever you want.

Realllllllllllllly? | 11:04 a.m. July 15, 2009

I hate to break it to Mormon bashers but you have jerks in every religion, it is human nature. You even have jerks in all non religious groups. If we left every organization that had people acting badly, we would have no organization at all.

This guy is alleged to be a predator, his job position is an easy target for those waiting to rip on the church. This guy should have known better but didn't.

to Realllllllly | 11:19 a.m. July 15, 2009

Yes there are jerks in every religion. They are everywhere. However, there is no church that is so pushy and politically involved as the LDS Church. It smacks more of a trillion dollar business than a church.
I mean...they have a "President", not an Archbishop.
Their priests wear business suits, not traditional church attire. We were invited to LDS services by our neighbors some time back,and it seemed nothing like any church I have ever been in.
Elaine

It doesn't take a genius.. | 11:28 a.m. July 15, 2009

Realllllllllllllly? | 11:04 a.m. July 15, 2009
"This guy should have known better but didn't"
I agree with your statement, but I would have to say he DID know better. It's not hard to figure out that having a sexual relationship with a 16 year old is going to get you into some hot water. Any grown man, especially a man in his position of authority, would know better.

Did he really think he was going to get away with it forever? All I can say is, he's going to get his in the next life.

Anonymous | 11:28 a.m. July 15, 2009

You're right...it's not like any other church you've been in. That's why we believe it to be true. Praying things work out for you Mike and Family.

Agree with 11:19 | 11:39 a.m. July 15, 2009

I agree completely with Elaine. The Mormon church is very exclusive, meaning if you aren't a member, you are made to feel excluded. We are good people, great neighbors, but are shunned by the many Mormon neighbors because we are not of their faith. My kids don't understand. They just want to play with the others, who happen to be Mormon, but their parents encourage against it.
Mormons could do a lot more to appear tolerant and inclusive, but it's a closed society.
Their image needs a lot of help, and they do little to accept us. Theu need a good PR lesson.
Karen in Sandy

Lila | 12:06 p.m. July 15, 2009

A sense of entitlement is common in all religions particulary among some who are in positions of authority, as in this case. It appears that Mr. Pratt ina position of trust used his authority to pursue a sexual relationship with a 16 year old girl.

I imagine the texts are available on the young ladies cell phone as well as Mr. Pratts. They will be looking for email communication on the laptop and any other stuff that might be outside the law.

I understand that there were witnesses to a skinny dipping incident. If that is the case then it would be very difficult for Mr. Pratt to mount any kind of defense.

It is possible that the account that has been made by the press is false. It wouldn't be the first time but right now it isn't looking very good for Pratt.

SinceNow | 12:30 p.m. July 15, 2009

I was also a student of his seminary class, and I'm really sad to to see him in this situation. I do know that he was a top-notch guy and a great example when I was a student.
It is terrible to see members, especially Church leaders, in these kinds of cases, because the Church is always teaching such higher values. It's not hipocracy on the Church's part, just it's members. I've been all around and have seen the Church in many different places. The members have defects, no arguing that. But it's not the Church of the Mormons, is it. It's the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Examine the Church, and see what you find. Make your decisions there, don't base them on the people around it, who are imperfect.

Hilarious | 12:54 p.m. July 15, 2009

Again people, live in ANY area with a high religious concentration, Catholic, Mormon, Southern Baptist, jewish etc., and you will find the same situations you complain about.

Every religion has it's problems and detractors. It is sad that this is more about Mormon bashing than it is about this victim. Too many victims stay silent.

To Agree with 11:19,11:30, July | 1:16 p.m. July 15, 2009

There is an old proverb that states: "When playing poker, if you don't recognize the sucker, then the sucker is you."

Did it never occur to you that perhaps the reason the Mormons aren't associating with you is because you are the kind of person that goes on line and bashes their faith?
I am willing to bet that you have also made derogatory comments about the LDS faith publicly and to it's members.
I live in one of the few predominantly non-LDS parts of Utah, and know folks who can't wait to tell everyone how much they hate everything LDS, then turn around and complain that Mormons are cliquey.

@ To Reallllly | 1:39 p.m. July 15, 2009

Hi Elaine and Karen both.
We too attended a mormon church with neighbors. It was very odd. Some man in a suit reading some prepared material. He certainly sounded like he was doing this because he had to, not because it was heart-felt. I felt no spirituality at all.
They asked us for our address, but we politely declined.
And from the adamant postings here by LDS, and from the way they conduct business and legislate, there is nothing very Christian about them at all.

How can a bigot like the Senator in the news earlier even begin to think of himself as a Christian?

Nora K

Glad we get to move in a couple of years.

Realllllllllllllly? | 2:26 p.m. July 15, 2009

"I felt no spirituality at all..... the way they conduct business and legislate, there is nothing very Christian about them at all....
How can a bigot like the Senator... begin to think of himself as a Christian?"

SOOOOOO are you saying this as a Christian YOURSELF passing judgement on other people's spirituality? I find that HIGHLY IRONIC and not in line with what the teachings of Christ. DO you?

There are good Mormons and bad Mormons, just like any other religion. I find the LDS people, for the most part to be nice and spiritual.

I don't paint with a broad brush for any religion, race, orientation. It seems as though you have, very sad and shows small thinking that looks for any reason to rip on a church.

Realllllllllllllly? | 2:32 p.m. July 15, 2009

"Their priests wear business suits, not traditional church attire. We were invited to LDS services by our neighbors some time back,and it seemed nothing like any church I have ever been in."

SO what are you, the religious fashion police? What makes the Pope's or other "religious" garb "better" or more valid than the next? Did you even think about that before posting it? WHo appointed you the Religion Fashion cop?

Bill | 2:56 p.m. July 15, 2009

It appears to me that those who cite that our priests where suits versus a robe that that alone makes it wrong. Secondly, no where in the Bible does it ever mention as the true church having archbishops, popes but does state, prophets, priests, evangelists, teachers and others. Our meetings are different but it is really up to the individual who attends whether it is spiritual or not. I know members who on a given Sunday didn't like the service but the next week thought it was great. What is the difference? Generally speaking there is a youth speaker and two other speakers at one of our sacramental services. Generally a music number between the second and last speaker. This could be a choir, a hymn or in some instances a musical instrument playing a hymn. We all wear suits where as young men of the priesthood officiate over the passing of the sacrement. Maybe before you really knock what is said you would pay closer attention to what is taught by the speakers. Also, maybe you should have asked the members what the prayers were but instead you come on this board and bash them and their faith.

You are a Mormon? | 2:59 p.m. July 15, 2009

A simple exercise, fill in the blank: All ______ are ________. All African American people are ______. All ________ are criminals. All Latinos are ______. All Mormons act like ______. Those _______ are all lazy. Jewish people are _____. Same-gender people are all _____.

Think about what you say and how you label groups before you say it goes for Mormons and people of other faiths here.

"You are a Mormon? Well, if I knew that I wouldn't have said anything about what I really think about THEM. You don't act like the Mormons I know"

Yes, I am and that is one of the the reactions I get. Which just proves my point, all Mormons don't think and act the way you think, want or stereotype us out to be. Myself and my family are our own individuals with our own choices and we chose to attend this church.

I'd like to be treated as you would treat me, with dignity no matter what religion you belong to.

several problems | 3:29 p.m. July 15, 2009

I find it curious that he has not been charged with this by now. Ever heard of Duke. Mike Nyfong came forward and claimed they had witnesses, too. He claimed mountains of evidence that was easily disproven. Where are the witnesses? Did the girl say there were witnesses? Maybe that is where the police got that from. How about the mine? If they had evidence from it why is he prohibited from going there? Doesn't sound they have any evidence from these places. Her story seems to be falling apart. Maybe the Highland Police Department shouldn't try to cover cases they aren't prepared to investigate. Why are they looking for a CES computer? Everyone knows that has got to be a dead end. Those computers are so full of filters what do they possibly think they are going to find? After hearing the evidence and what was said in court yesterday I have a hard time believing this story. The truth WILL come out and this poor man will be exonerated. Unfortunately his reputation is completely ruined. I hope this young lady thinks long and hard about this and does the RIGHT thing for a change.

For Crying Out Loud | 3:49 p.m. July 15, 2009

" I hope this young lady thinks long and hard about this and does the RIGHT thing for a change."

For the last time, THE GIRL DID NOT TURN HIM IN! She was trying to protect him and denied the relationship occurred when confronted.

Anonymous | 4:12 p.m. July 15, 2009

Now that was very brilliant.

Fredd | 4:28 p.m. July 15, 2009

If he is innocent why is his life ruined? If he is innocent he should sue the church for his job back. If he is innocent why would his wife hold anything against him? His life is ruined if he is guilty. Otherwise he's just gotta suffer a little now until he cn clear his name. Personnaly I think he's a guilty slimeball. But he doesn't know me and I don't know him so he shouldn't care what I think. If he's proven innocent I won't think he's a guilty slime ball anymore. But he smells. Just looking at his pictures I believe the police.

To Elaine at 11:19 | 4:30 p.m. July 15, 2009

"to Realllllllly | 11:19 a.m. July 15, 2009
Yes there are jerks in every religion. They are everywhere. However, there is no church that is so pushy and politically involved as the LDS Church. It smacks more of a trillion dollar business than a church.
I mean...they have a "President", not an Archbishop.
Their priests wear business suits, not traditional church attire. We were invited to LDS services by our neighbors some time back,and it seemed nothing like any church I have ever been in.
Elaine"

Hey Elaine. Here's a news flash for you: the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), not on his title ("President") nor on his clothes (a suit and tie).

So an LDS service was different from what you were expecting?

Big deal.

Do you not realize that Jesus was not what the Jews were expecting?

Nevertheless, the "different" person was in fact the very Son of God and the epitomy of truth and goodness.

The lesson is that "different" does not automatically mean "bad".

Why don't you give the LDS church another look?

Good luck with finding the happiness you seek.

More denial.... | 4:38 p.m. July 15, 2009

This message is to "several problems"....

Go back the the post: "Just a thought" at 12:32 a.m.

Now tell me all of these things are "made up"

Re: for crying out loud | 5:09 p.m. July 15, 2009

She was the one that told the stories to her friends that got the investigations started. If he is innocent SHE and only SHE can come forward and tell the truth.

Re: More denial | 5:18 p.m. July 15, 2009

All it takes to check a student out of Lone Peak is a phone call. ANYONE can call the school and do that. Friends have been checking friends out of that school for years. I don't think that is a point that ANYONE can prove. Most of the evidnece sited seems to be hearsay. Hearsay is NOT admissable in court. If he is guilty then charge him. As far as a witness in a car goes.. are you kidding me? There is a voyer out there that has come forward to claim he or she was peeping on two people. I would love to see that person positively identify two naked people that were probably 100 yards away. There doesn't even seem to be any DNA linking him to places she claimed they had been. That is why he is not allowed to go to any of these places. Sounds like stories to me. There was another story in the news today about a youth making up stories about an adult he was angry with. Maybe we should all stop jumping to conclusions. Let's see what the police REALLY have as evidence, not what some girl said.

My opinion | 5:21 p.m. July 15, 2009

This has nothing to do with religion, it seems like that is the major fight in this whole situation. If people think he is innocent because he is a seminary teach and he couldn't possibly do something like this then that is on them, but the court does not think like that. I'm not siding with either side in this fight because I think it is ridiculous to even bring religion into this. Everyone is saying he was a very great guy and I'm not doubting he wasn't, but great people can also do really dumb things. Yes, he may not have done this or even thought about doing this with every girl he had in class, but it only takes one girl to make a mistake. But it also takes two to tango. She is old enough to know right from wrong and its not like it just happened in the heat of the moment, but he is the one who is responsible. He is not only an old married man, but he was a teacher someone who you are supposed to trust. I have a daughter...

Continued from my opinion | 5:30 p.m. July 15, 2009

and I know without a doubt if she was ever caught doing something like this, there would be serious problems. I don't think she should be looked at as a victim, but I also dont feel she should get the whole blame, "because he would never possibly do anything like this." I know how it is being the younger one and yes you do feel the pressure, and this is why he is getting charges. When it comes down to it, the court isn't going to let him off easy because of religion, so you are all wasting your time talking about it. and whoever is saying this is satans fault is seriously messed up in the head. This wasn't a one time thing that just accidentally happened, this was a planned out sexual relationship that took place many different times. This has been happening over a period of several months, He knew what he was doing was wrong and he had complete control. If you are still in denial this didn't happen get a clue.

Why he was fired | 6:21 p.m. July 15, 2009

He was terminated from his job immediately because of the type of job it is. Whether he is guilty or innocent, his job as a seminary teacher is over. To be a seminary teacher you have to be squeaky clean-you are in a position of trust--like few others. There is no way he could have this experience then go back if found innocent like nothing happened --maybe another job that could work-but not this one.
If guilty, I just think of all the lives his choices will effect-a tragedy.

i dont buy it | 8:01 p.m. July 15, 2009

until the prosecutors office can come up with some evidence that clearly shows guilt on his part (which they have been unwilling to do) i don't buy it. if he did it and they can prove it then ok. but so far it seems like an awful story that will cost this poor man everything.

Wynn | 10:05 p.m. July 15, 2009

When is the next court date or proceding?

Anonymous | 10:59 p.m. July 15, 2009

Monday morning is the next court appearance.

re: shame@5:27 | 7:57 a.m. July 16, 2009

I don't know how a "religion" can side with a perpetrator! I do know that people belonging to any religion have a mind of their own and could decide to support a perpetrator but that doesn't mean their religion supports their opinion. As a member of the LDS faith. . . I chose to be a part of this religion at the age of 24. . . . I don't have an opinion to voice till I get ALL the facts. Don't blame a particular religion (everyone is an individual with their own thoughts.

To All You Annonymous people | 8:25 a.m. July 16, 2009

Put your names down. If you want to be brutal be proud of your comments. Mike Pratt looks guilty and most likely is. It is a shame that this becomes an attack on religion. If he were an accountant would you be attacking finance? Just attack the person and leave it at that.
Danny Prager

Anonymous | 8:37 a.m. July 16, 2009

I wasn't going to weigh in on this mess, but to "Hilarious | 12:54 p.m. July 15, 2009", I am not sure I agree with your statement that "live in ANY area with a high religious concentration, Catholic, Mormon, Southern Baptist, jewish etc., and you will find the same situations you complain about." Mormons (and I am one, a Utah native who has lived in several places around the country), are, as Larry King noted, clannish. As an insider, I see that this is true.

Anonymous | 9:42 a.m. July 16, 2009

16 is old enough to know adultery is wrong, skipping school is wrong and lying by pretending to be her Dad is wrong.

I don't know the man.. | 9:44 a.m. July 16, 2009

..but I'm not willing to label him a hard-core pedophile like several people are. Is this a one time mess up or has there been a pattern? If there's been a pattern, then yes.

To those who are all-knowing about how pedophiles operate (gain vicitms trust, grooming them over years, etc.), this may apply to hard-core pedophiles. But the more likely scenario here is that while interacting with this young lady, they developed an unintentional bond. Maybe she or a friend told him she had a crush on him. Maybe due to cirumstances in his life, that flattered him that he would still be attractive to a young lady. Instead of brushing it off as a teenage crush, maybe he let it play on his mind, thought what if?, entertained the possibility. Then, over time, they were both in a situation where they shouldn't have been and he blew it.

My point is that there is a big difference between a guy out serially stalking prey and a guy who made a couple of bad choices and messed up.

Jann | 10:17 a.m. July 16, 2009

It is not for us to decide wheather he is guilty or not; that is up to the courts. If he is innocent, I feel for his family as his reputation is tarnished. If he his guilty, my heart goes out the the 16 yr. old girl. I hope that she gets counseling if the accusations are true. If he is found guily, I hope they throw the book at him. Why did the police have to send the computer away? Couldnt someone in slc have restored the hard drive? He could have been catholic, baptist, methodist or whatever it just happen to be that his employment was being a lds seminary principal.I have been to institute in different locations and I would never put myself in that position to be alone with a institute teacher.

Re: I don't know the man.. | 10:34 a.m. July 16, 2009

I agree with you. Also, I think another important distinction needs to be made. In order to label a person a pedophile, doesn't that mean that they are attracted to little children? Break the word down and that's what it means. I don't think a sixteen year old young woman qualifies as a child in the way that would make him a pedophile. Not too long ago 16 was the normal marrying age. Anyway, my point is that IF he is guilty, then YES he committed adultery and YES he broke the law because he did it with someone under 18. Is he a pedophile, however? I would definitely say no. If he was, then he would be stalking day cares, not his seminary classes.

ALL PEDO'S HARD CORE | 11:32 a.m. July 16, 2009

Any abuser of kids is "hard-core".
How else might they be classified? "SOFT-core"?
I think not.
If they were together more than once, hardcore it is.

I'm Mormon... | 12:01 p.m. July 16, 2009

People have their free agency, we think he chose to do something that was wrong and if he did, then he will suffer the consequences. But who are we to say he did or didn't do something.

Bart | 12:14 p.m. July 16, 2009

Wow. I am just really impressed that my comment will not be posted by the Deseret News powers that be. Is it really that insidious and offensive?

Cover your eyes.. here it is.... if he is so innocent... why did he check the girl out school? If anyone has a logical explanation for that then maybe he's innocent.

But... you will never see this comment because the Des News is scared to post it. Not sure why..............

Anonymous | 1:14 p.m. July 16, 2009

I live in CA and am friendly with my non LDS neighbors. We even socialize a couple of times a year. They are nice people. However, I am most comfortable with people who don't drink alcohol, use profanity or tell off color jokes. Maybe that's why we seem clannish.

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