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 | 1:21 p.m. July 16, 2009

The Deseret Snooze has not posted 3 of my well thought out posts. Censorship at it's best. I wonder who owns the Snooze?

Not "clannish" | 2:02 p.m. July 16, 2009

"Intolerant" is the word you are looking for.

Re: Bart | 2:02 p.m. July 16, 2009

SHE says he checked her out of school. What you are all missing is that ANYONE can call Lone Peak and check someone out of school. It could have been her five year old brother who checked her out. I can't believe that is a point that can in anyway be proven. All Lone Peak needs is a phone call to their attendance office and they will let any student out of school. It is not at all supervised. I have called on numerous occasions to check my student out. All they wanted was the students name and grade. Never did they ask for my name or why. So if any of you are arguing that he may or may not have called and checked her out, that point is rediculous. They need a better system at Lone Peak other than the "honor code" of checking a student out.

Comments continue below

Small Choices Add up | 2:24 p.m. July 16, 2009

"In my quiet moments, I think of the future with all of its wonderful possibilities and with all of its terrible temptations. I wonder what will happen to you in the next 10 years. Where will you be? What will you be doing? That will depend on the choices you make, some of which may seem unimportant at the time but which will have tremendous consequences." Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

Roger | 3:17 p.m. July 16, 2009

To Anonymous 1:14pm,

I AM a non-LDS "neighbor" who used to live in California, but now have the misfortune of living among the self-righteous members of the ONLY true and living Church of God!

I don't smoke or drink or use profanity or tell off-color jokes.

But that doesn't matter.

Because I am not LDS, my family and I are treated as outsiders. Because we don't have any "vices" people we first meet assume we are LDS. As soon as they learn we are not, they either become cold and aloof, or they turn into salespersons trying to get us to take the missionary discussions!

Our daughter was best friends with the daughter of a man who later became a bishop. He finally discovered that we are not LDS. My daughter came to me in tears because her BFF told her she couldn't be her friend - her parents (the Bishop!) told her not to be friends with our daughter because she isn't LDS!

The problem: you people take judgmental shortcuts. You think being a member = good character. Pratt proves otherwise. So does my family. We are good NON-LDS people!

I agree | 3:27 p.m. July 16, 2009

JP II is exactly right!

The LDS Church has NOT done enough to protect children and teens from abuse! It has not instituted the safeguards and programs that other churches have with regard to child abuse, touching safely, and other background checks and safeguards that are in place. The LDS Church should never have allowed any employee, teacher, volunteer or lay member or clergy (I realize that they do not have a professional clergy) to be alone with a child in a car, park, or other private place, without another adult present or in the office or proximity and without the parent's consent. This is a clear case of negligence and child abuse. Shame on the LDS church for not protecting its children and teens. To this very day, young women are "interviewed" twice a year by their Bishops--alone! Seminary teachers and principals take young women out of class and "talk" with them alone all the time! The Church leaders should have implemented policies that control these things! A lawsuit might get their attention!

Re: Roger | 3:43 p.m. July 16, 2009

The problem is, Roger, that you find fault with the entire church because of the actions of a very select few. If you were to poll church members you would find that a resounding majority would agree that you were unfairly treated and that the Bishop telling his daughter not to associate with yours was way out of line and not representative of what Bishops are trained to be. Unless, of course, your daughter was a bad influence on their daughter in which case any parent, LDS or non-LDS would be in the right.

RE: Roger | 4:01 p.m. July 16, 2009

I agree with Roger on one point - when he says "We are good non-LDS people". He finally makes a self-judgement. Although he probably should refine it to say, "I am a good non-LDS person" for he truly only knows his heart. Shouldn't we (all humanity) spend more time judging ourselves - not others.

Digital Evidence | 4:31 p.m. July 16, 2009

If the laptop is considered to be the key of the investigation, it makes me wonder if the police have confiscated any of they 16 y/o's electronic devices in an effort to find the digital trail from the other end. I have heard no mention of this, but if it truly happened wouldn't it be easier for the accuser to provide the police the evidence directly rather than hope the accused has some tarnishing information to expose?

I am not saying anything of guilt or innocence here, but rather the lack of information when an obvious source of that information should already be present and provided by the accuser.

I am interested to learn the facts here, not just peoples opinions.

To Re: Rog | 4:44 p.m. July 16, 2009

There they go denying and defending.
It is NOT a select few, it is the majority.
We have lived in 4 areas of the valley here, and in all 4 the same attitude was present.
BAAAAAAAA

Re: Re: Rog 4:44pm | 5:38 p.m. July 16, 2009

Just so you know, my family moved here 6 years ago from California. We are LDS but were considered "move-ins." We got the same treatment you did. Fortunately for my family there were LDS people who did friend us when others didn't want to let us into their little clicks. My older children all found friends that were other move-ins. My younger children were not effected. It made our family more convicted in our beliefs to show otheres non lds or otherwise that LDS people are good people in spite of a handful of those who don't practice what they preach.

What? | 5:39 p.m. July 16, 2009

"The LDS Church should never have allowed any employee, teacher, volunteer or lay member or clergy (I realize that they do not have a professional clergy) to be alone with a child in a car, park, or other private place, without another adult present or in the office or proximity and without the parent's consent."

I am not a fan of the LDS church, but this is ridiculous. The LDS church did not "allow" anyone to do anything in this case. Beyond that, it is absurd to think the church could ensure the above as suggested. Parents can't even make their kids do what they want. Once kids are outside of your immediate control, they are gone and will do what they will do.

Maybe we society should not "allow" anyone to commit any crime.

sem. graduate | 6:02 p.m. July 16, 2009

I had Pratt in Seminary. Kids loved him. His class was by far the most entertaining of all my Seminary classes. But to me, it always seemed like he was trying too hard. I think people try to convince themselves they are one way, that they believe certain things, that they are happy...But then they break at the most unfortunate moment. I don't condemn him. But I am not surprised either. I know many people who based their faith on this guy's words. I think it's a big wake-up call for everybody, especially for him. Even if things are consensual, as a girl a lot can be done on the pretense of trust. This is a real tragedy all around.

Who did he save? | 6:25 p.m. July 16, 2009

To everyone who said he "saved my life", or something similar, all I have to say is, he did not. He may have shown you a path, but it was you who made the choice to let the Savior into your life. Brother Pratt has saved no one. To say that he has is blasphemous. There is only ONE who can save. I feel bad for all those who say that he is the only reason that they are in the church. Your testimony better not be based on him, because is he is convicted your testimonies may go down with him.

To Roger | 7:05 p.m. July 16, 2009

Roger, we are LDS and lived in Utah throughout the 1990s. Lived back east for 8 years and and came back to live in Alpine (near LP). It was so bad for my family the year we were here that wife and kids have moved back east, and I will follow when job situation works out. The best way I can describe LDS predominant culture in places like Alpine is the movie American Beauty. Everyone is trying to keep up appearances--need to have a "forever family" of at least 5-6 kids, mom has to look like a Barbie doll after having the 5-6 kids, need to drive a Cadillac Escalade, need to have a huge home with top of line furniture, and everyone is perfectly happy. Yet, dysfunction lies underneath--bankruptcy, fraud, foreclosure, and yes, sexual perversion, never mind the passive aggressive and over the top competitive behavior. And, like you, the straw for my family was complete isolation and suffocation my kids felt, who are outgoing, involved children. So as people like to say around here, "if you don't like it, get out" so we did.

To those shunned | 7:50 p.m. July 16, 2009

I'm also a "straight-arrow" person who has experienced shunning for not being LDS here in Utah, though that never happened by LDS in other states.

With my LDS neighbors I've learned to ignore them as they have me, since I no longer want to be friends with them, either. But I’ve been most distressed being snubbed in the workplace for not being LDS. It's very hurtful, for both social and economic reasons.

Thank you Karen, Roger, and all for posting. It does help to hear of others’ experiences. I'm hoping to move, too.

Anonymous | 9:31 a.m. July 17, 2009

Let's not forget that together they ruined many lives, including their own. They will be held accountable. The Lord knows best how much responsibility each has to bear. It wasn't all one sided.

Anonymous | 10:39 a.m. July 17, 2009

what baffles me is how dumb some people can be. Did it ever occur to them, even once, that this was immoral as well as illegal? Did they honestly think they'd get away with it? By all accounts this has only been going on a couple of months. Didn't take long to get caught. Let this be a lesson to others even remotely comtemplating something so stupid, DON'T DO IT. You will spend the rest of your life paying for a very brief, momentary thrill.
All the fun in the world can't make up for spending time in prison as a sex offender and then having that label the rest of your life.

Dutch | 11:11 a.m. July 17, 2009

Roger - Hey join the club - we are LDS moved here from Back East - We are known as the Liberal Mormons amount my so called ward friends. I am so glad all of my immediate nieghbors are either non LDS or IN- Active which is fine with me we all get along fine.

Please do not lump all memebers into one ugly muddy gallon of water there are some out here who are somewhat sane

Anonymous | 11:41 a.m. July 17, 2009

Ironically, many dramatic teens will tell an adult they've ruined their lives because they said no to something the teen really wanted to do. In this case, saying yes really did ruin her life.

You are right Dutch | 12:04 p.m. July 17, 2009

And there are are former Mormons who wised up to the fact that religion itself is a crock. I am now nothing and happeier than I've ever been. I believe in God or a Higher Power, but this presence does not exist only in religon (in many cases it is not there at all).
I don't lump everyone anywhere, but I do have a warning signal go off whenever I hear cetain things like "active". Well, this guy was "active" too! What does that mean really?

anonymous | 12:32 p.m. July 17, 2009

Think of the fall of David in the Bible. The circumstances may have happened the same? An attraction on both parts leads to inappropriate behavior. It's as simple as that. Be careful. It could happen to anyone. I live outside of Utah and have seen friends of different faiths make horrible decisions. I have no idea if Mr. Pratt is innocent or guilty, but it does not look good. I just hope the truth will come out and that healing in both families will begin. There will be no winners, there never is. Let's hope for everyone involved that the truth will be found and that the proper help will be given to the victims in this case. Help for the girl and her family will be needed, guilty or innocent! Help for Mr. Pratt only if innocent!! and Help for Mr. Pratt's wife and children either way. What a mess.

Dutch | 1:08 p.m. July 17, 2009

@You are right I stand corrected Thanks, you can be my neighboor - let me just say I have good people living around me and I will throw out the titles normally used. Sorry just trying to fit in with the crowd LOL

jim snead | 1:39 p.m. July 17, 2009

I wonder if he is related to old Joe?

Sounds very much what he would have done.

Hey Everyone | 3:39 p.m. July 17, 2009

Get out of those areas where your neighbors are so full of themselves and self righteous. Come to SLC proper where all kinds of people live--and get along--with their neighbors.

Moron | 3:59 p.m. July 17, 2009

Chalk this one up with all the other stupid teachers around the country who tried to get awaywith this? Did Pratt not have a TV or Newspaper in the last 15 years? Did he not hear what the jail time is for such crimes? #1 Don't cheat on your wife. #2 Don't cheat on your wife with a student #3 Don't cheat on your wife with a 16 year old student #4 Don't cheat on your wife with a 16 year old student while bearing testimony in the classroom #5 Michael Pratt if you did this and you have a testimony then confess now!! #6 Consenting YW can't consent It's a law look it up #7 It appears neither is innocent in this case #8 Never assume that a position of trust determines guilt or innocence #9 Good people make bad choices too -- here are two good people who made very bad choices #10 I feel horrible for the girls parents and family, as well as the Pratt wife and kids #11 The real loosers in this case are those who looked up to Michael Pratt

Moron | 4:08 p.m. July 17, 2009

Memo to all religions!! Don't loose faith just because a person of authority has offended. There will always be problems in all religion. Don't let the actions of a few determine the faith you have in God and Christ. No matter the damage the Catholic Priests caused -- the Catholic church still does so much good in the world. No matter the damage this man has done -- the Mormon Faith still does good and like the Catholic Church the Mormon Church makes the world a better place.

To Mike | 4:26 p.m. July 17, 2009

You left the church because it is like "a single celled amoeba"? Brilliant! This is like saying, "I left the church because it was "'One Lord, one faith, one baptism.'"

You must be so proud of yourself for learning to refuse to give others the benefit of the doubt, refuse to assume the best about others' intentions, and refuse to believe in innocent until proven guilty. I only wish I could become as enlightened as you.

Anonymous | 7:40 p.m. July 17, 2009

yes, small towns are the worst in Utah...if you don't have the right name or don't live in the right part of town, you are toast. Pres. Hinckley came out and asked the people to be nicer...and I think some have tried...but we moved out of a small Utah town to another state because it was sad and oppressive to our children and we are mormon...but we were newcomers. I think they are good people, but rather immature. Should you still be wearing your letterman jacket when you are a forty year old woman? Should all babies have their ears pierced and hair permed before they are even out of diapers?

Anonymous | 8:07 p.m. July 17, 2009

Well, bringing attention back to this story...I'm grateful for Pratt's example and friendship in my life the past 20 years. He's always been so full of life and truly demonstrated christlike love to people of all walks of life. IF he's found guilty of these allegations, how sad that he has fallen. He will have let a lot of people down and caused a great deal of hurt to so many who love him.

Jess | 10:16 a.m. July 18, 2009

Of course Pratt knew he was doing wrong and that he was betraying his family, students and his church. But lust and passion are not logical and can blind us to the consequences. These "natural man" feelings are part of every man's experience and we must learn to control them or it is a disaster, not just for the person that looses control but for all people he influences. In the movie, Dr. Zhivago, he is unfaithful to his wife and it was devastating for her. Many women who watched that film were upset by his betrayal. In the movie, Mr. Holland's Opus, he faced a similar situation, but he did the right thing though it was difficult for him. In the long run, we and society are better off if we and just recognize when we are tempted to do the irresponsible thing and "get himself out." So sad for Pratt and those associated with him. But, we can all learn from his tragic choices.

John Pack Lambert | 4:47 p.m. July 18, 2009

To the 3:21 commentator,
Well in the case of the BYU football players accusaed of raping a girl, I always found her story hard to believe.
However, I think you are ignoring some things. The BYU football case and the Duke Lacrosse case have convinced people to be more hesitant about these things.
I do think this man is guilty. However, I think we have to remember that people change, and when accusations fall flat on their face it causes people to react differently in future cases.

To: All the Offended | 10:30 a.m. Aug. 3, 2009

How easy it is to be offended. How easy it is to call others hypocrites.

The only non-hypocrite is someone who does not believe in anything.

Life is what you make of it. Don't be a victim! Quit feeling sorry for yourself. Make friends with others. Show love and service.

Sure there are people who are progressing at different levels. Don't make their issues your problems.

I currently live in Alpine, Utah. I've lived in Wyoming, California, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Japan, and visited 20 or so other countries.

Alpine is a great town. So is every place I've been. We have great neighbors. We try to be a good neighbor.

"This life is worth living, we can say, since it is what we make it."
William James

Have a good one.

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