Deseret News | Reader comments: Former first-grade teacher admits he molested children

Reader comments
Former first-grade teacher admits he molested children

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Alan | 2:12 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

This is indeed a sad case for the children involved and all the tears in the world cannot right the wrong that has been done. According to the many reports that I have read there is no cure for this sickness that Mr Hall has. I trust that the community can be protected from individuals such as this and a starting point would be to ensure that Mr Hall serves a life sentance. I say this thanking God that I do not suffer from the same mental problems.

Sasha | 3:29 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

So sorry for the precious children and their families. And sorrow for Mr. Hall and his family. All are suffering. The challenge for ALL parties is to make something good from this tragedy. It can be done. Our family has had an offender AND been victimzed by another. My heart breaks for all of you.

R.M. | 7:06 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

From what I have read about child sex offenders it all starts with legal adult pornagraphy. Who says it doesn't hurt anybody. I still am bothered by what happened to me as a child. It does come back to me now and then.

Comments continue below

Joy | 7:09 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

I can't imagine what these children went through. I have a small daughter and I would want this guy locked up for a very long time. It is a shame we can't even trust our school teachers, neighbors, or even some family members anymore with our children. And the unfortunate thing is, he was probably molested as a young child also.

justice | 7:20 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

A wolf in sheep's clothing.

For years he molested little children, and now he pleads guilty and weeps bitterly.

I am thankful for the person or persons that either caught him, or convinced him to report his crimes.

No excuse for child abuse.

wow | 7:30 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

This disgusting act has become such a huge part of our society, it is so sad...I hate to say it but I feel bad for this man. The poor children are scarred for life and I hope his sufferring comes from his remorse and regret rather than sitting in a jail cell feeling sorry for himself. How many more times do we have to hear about this horrible act...I really worry about my two children, I feel like I can't let them be independent like I was growing up. It's really too bad that the world has changed so much.

Heartbreaking | 7:57 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

This has been a very heartbreaking tragedy. There were so many victims in this case. The small children and their families, the family of Mr. Hall, and the community. Mr. Hall had a gift to teach children. He was involved in so many events here in Riverton. Everywhere I go I think of Mr. Hall because of his community involvement. I am saddened by ALL of it. My heart goes out to these children and their families, his family, friends and to the school he worked at. I just can't help thinking over and over again what caused him to do this? What was happening in his life to make him want to do this?

the only way | 8:12 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Hang him.

no excuses | 8:19 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

It doesn't matter what has happened in the sex offender's life. Once we all reach adulthood, we are fully responsible for our choices, no matter what! We can't blame our unjust childhoods or the foolishness of youth anymore. Is he weeping bitterly because he cannot change the consequences of his actions?

the wrong way | 8:31 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

the only way:
when were you appointed the 'giver and taker' of life? it is God and God only who can make that choice.

Satan Rules | 8:42 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Satan has assuredly taken over the life of far too many people. We are doing the same thing today that existed during Noah's time. The difference; There are more than 8 righteous people on earth today.

Pornography is not a victimless issue. Everything I have read and heard tells me that these perverts started with pornography and did have the self discipline to stop and allowed themselves to continue.

I feel so sorry for the victims on both sides.

What a loser | 8:47 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

This pervert needs to placed in with the general prison population. Then he can become the prison tinkerbell.

utahkeith | 9:03 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

We don't know what the "Whole Story" was? I can tell you that Law Agencies usually "SERIOUSLY OVERCHARGE" in these types of circumstances, so no body knows the "REAL" facts of the case. The man won awards for his teaching and his community service, how quick everyone forgets that fact. Of course it doesn't right is wrong or give him a license to do what he did. "Hang Him", GROW UP! Castrate Him maybe, Hang Him? He Didn't kill anybody, make the punishment fit the crime if that is your mentality, what is it, "Eye for an Eye" not "Life for an Eye". You can live the "temporal Law" or try and live the higher law, understanding, forgiveness, love, charity and repentance along with Rehabilitation. It can't be done in all cases, but it is worth a try. My heart truly goes out to those convicted of these crimes who are innocent! Imagine the Hell they go through, and how their lives are ruined because councilors plant false ideas and images in their minds. It is very sad, the whole thing.

survivor | 9:03 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

As a survivor of sexual abuse i can tell you this. The fact that he not only was arrested and charged but that he actually confessed to these crimes will make the long and painful healing process a little easier on these children. Those of us who have had to bare the burden of not being believed and hearing the perpetrator deny his actions and then have your family believe him and blame you--it's horrific! I am so glad that these children will not have to go through this part.

reach out | 9:04 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Please remember to withhold judgement from Mr. Hall's family members. I have been in a situation where a family member has done something similar, and believe me- there are people out there who cannot distinguish the fact that I (and other of my family members) were not the ones who committed such acts. We had nothing to do with it whatsoever, yet I have lost 'friends' over what my relative did. People treat you differently once they know what your relative did. They keep you at a distance- they hold you from a 10-foot pole, so to speak. There is no support out there for family members of perpetrators. People say they won't judge you, but they do. You can see it in their faces, in their eyes and in their actions when they find out about your 'family secret.' Because that's just what it is- a secret that you have to live with and carry with you for fear of what people will think about you- someone who had nothing to do with it whatsoever. It's a chain you will carry around your neck forever. I plead with people out there to reach out to Mr. Hall's family.

Note to R.M. @ 07:06 | 9:11 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

"...it all starts with legal adult pornagraphy."

Yes, by quoting you I had to spell "pornography" with an "A". Looking at the keyboard in front of me, "a" is on the opposite end of the keyboard from "o" so I am really curious as to what "pornAgraphy" is!

Let's say I allow what I will let you have as a "typo", my question for you is "what led to pornAgraphy/pornography?" By specifying "adult" pornAgraphy/pornography that excludes any and all images, thoughts, and ideas of children doesn't it?? What you said sounds like watching a television ad for Arby's is going to cause a person to eventually go to Ruby River. There is a vast difference between the two, so please don't try and delude people into believing that a child molester got their idea from a Victoria's Secret's catalog.

While I have the opportunity i met as well share with you what I had read. Studies showed that there was actually less incidents of sex crimes among nudism practicing people!! Remmember "Prohibition", when they made alcohol "illegal"? By doing that it actuall made people want alcohol more, not less.

I'm sorry for what you went through!

Reggie | 9:12 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

My favorite TV show is, "To Catch a Predator."

reach out... P.S. | 9:19 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Coming from the viewpoint of a family member of a perpetrator.... for those people who lash out at the perpetrator with hateful words such as "monster," "evil," "freak" and much worse words, although your words are aimed at the perpetrator, it hits their family members also and it stings. Each time we hear those words, it's like salt in an open wound. We agree that the perpetrator's acts are very wrong and very sick but it does not help AT ALL to hear mudslinging words every time you turn around. Family members of perpetrators are in a precarious situation- we find the acts just as disgusting and wrong as the rest of you yet we still love the person who committed them. It's a very hard situation to be in and it would be helpful if the general population would refrain from using hateful words. Keep them to yourself and deal with the issue or communicate about the issue in a more thoughtful manner, please.

Public School System | 9:41 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

You can't trust other people with your children, but so many people do and so things like this happen in a world where wickedness is engulfing the whole. Like the comment by "What a loser". When this guy is put into prison he will have the same done to him. Is that right? His judgement will come. As for my children they will not see the Public School System until they are much older when they can confront a person like this in a different manner. Parents know a lot more about their own children and know their learning capabilities than some stranger in a public or charter school does.

B H | 9:51 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

What a loser:

Interesting philosiphy. Condemn the man to sexual abuse becuase he commited sexual abuse? Didn't your mother ever teach you that two wrongs do not make a right?

Stranger | 9:52 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

I'm not sending my kids to public school with perverted strangers....

Note to "Note to RM" | 10:16 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Man! You dare to comment on someone's "Typo"? reread your note. It is full of typo's, misspelling, and poor English. Have a gud dae.....

Anonymous | 10:26 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Having come from an sexually abused background, the scars are still there and no matter what you do, nothing can take the scars away. After being married 35 years, my husband found out I had been sexually abused and unbeknownst to me our two daughters had also been abused. When he found out the marriage was ruined; the the guilt I have carried all my life rages on.

Think about all the cases that we don't hear about; those who like myself kept a dark secret because of the hurt to other family members. In my case it was a no win situation!!!

Dear Stranger | 10:36 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Sadly, abuse is no respecter of schools -- think of the problems the Catholic church has had. I know they're not alone in the problem. Teaching our children what is right & wrong, that they can & should say NO, and that it is okay to tell on someone -- those are the tools we must provide them so they know they have power.
God bless & protect our children... and all of us really!

A Reminder | 10:36 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

And this type of unthinkable, unspeakable criminal behavior never happens in private or religious schools? Unfortunately, it happens almost everywhere. Furthermore, the idea that these crimes are always committed by "strangers" is also false. Uncle Bob and Boy Scout Leader Joe are frequently caught in the To Catch A Predator stings.

What? | 10:43 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Stranger:
"I'm not sending my kids to public school with perverted strangers"

Cause you, all the perverted strangers dwell in public schools...

walkon | 10:45 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

To spend so much energy ripping a person for a typo makes no sense - actually, it's very condescending. I was sure I would read a comment about how vouchers would cure this problem . . . maybe later.
I think pornography is a dangerous thing - but I don't think it causes a person to become a pedophile. I believe this man has a messed up brain and a messed up libido - he hates himself. What he did ruined alot of lives.

Private? | 10:55 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

And private schools would be any safer? Fewer people around makes it even more dangerous.

Thank heavens | 10:56 a.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Mr. Hall was accused of "touching the genitals and buttocks of children." I, for one, am glad this was caught before his sickness progressed further.

Those calling for "hanging," "castration," and "prison justice," please remember the crime was touching kids' bums. Sick and wrong? Of course. Punishable by death? Let's keep things in perspective.

Get a Clue | 12:11 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Public Schools have nothing to do with what happened. If you do your reserch you will find that this most happens first with someone the child or family knows. And that can be anyone! Including Public or Private Schools. Please take proper safe guards with your children where ever they are not in your direct control!

Ramona | 12:17 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Those same people that would NEVER send their children to public school with "perverts" are the very same people that will send their daughters to young women camps and scouting camps without hesitation....and we all no nothing ever happens there....eyes rolling.

Another note to "Note to RM" | 12:46 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

If a vegetarian is convinced by an Arby's add to try meat, there is a much greater likelyhood he'll sometime end up at Ruby River than if he had stayed a vegetarian. Not all pornography users end up abusing children, but almost all child abusers start by using pornography. Remember Arthur Gary Bishop? Probably not, judging by your naievete you are too young.

Don't assimilate | 12:49 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Stranger:
This man is one twisted individual. We shouldn't say that we need to pull our children out of public schools. That is insane!! You can't say, "just because one teacher did it then all must be doing it." I am an educator, and your comment offends me.

This man needs to be castrated, locked up, and never allowed out again.

I commend you | 12:58 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Those of you posting here do much better than most in remaining rational, just, and compassionate about this situation. Too often I read idiots anonymously posting comments like, "Hang him." "Rot in hell." "I hope he gets a taste of his own medicine in prison." Vengeful, hateful responses.

What this man did was clearly wrong, wrong, wrong. And to the children and families that read this - I am very sorry this happened. Nothing can change it. I pray that you and your children will get the counsel, love, and compassion they need to get past this. And yes, you can move past this (I would know). Please remember that forgiveness is primarily for your benefit - not for Mr. Hall's.

And no, an abusive past is not an excuse for perpetrating the same crimes upon others. But hopefully it will evoke a small amount of compassion for Mr. Hall. These children will get help (hopefully). If Mr. Hall was abused, it is apparent he did not get the help he needed as a boy.

MVH | 1:02 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

An adult sexual desire for children is a sexual orientation, just as homosexuality. Liberals will have us believe that homosexuality is natural and healthy, and they also believe that attraction to children is a natural and healthy "orientation." That is why they keep working to keep these creeps out of prison, or seeing that their prison terms are less than a life without parole. Liberals believe child rapists can be rehabilitated. My question, then, is this: If liberals believe child rapists can be rehabilitated from their sexual orientation, why cannot homosexuals be rehabilitated from their chosen sexual orientation?

This monster should be locked up for the rest of his life, without the chance for parole. If one of my children were victimized by this monster, I would have to be physically restrained from going after him and giving him the justice he deserves.

It's parn, not porn | 1:18 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Regarding the "it's all pornography's fault" people, even if it could be proven (which is doubtful) that porn was the Devil That Made Him Do It, that still doesn't mean everybody should be punished just because some sicko reacted badly to his viewing material.

Yeah, it's fashionable and politically correct to talk about "porn addiction"--now anything can be an "addiction" requiring 12-step treatment or some other form of rehab. (Fat people aren't really fat--they've got a food addiction! Dumb people aren't really dumb--they've got a stupidity addiction!)

If one person in 10,000 watches a movie and it makes him want to go out and abuse a child, by all means lock him up and don't let him view any movies anymore, ever. He's obviously the type to blame his actions on external influences. But what about the other 9,999 people who handed it just fine?

Calling for a blanket ban on porn--even supposing porn were the sole cause of the terrible mental and spiritual depravity that causes a few sick people to abuse children--is like saying cats should be banned because some people are allergic to them.

Anonymous | 1:26 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

I think people like this don't deserve to live and corrupt what otherwise is a pleasent society. I think the death penalty is in order.

utahkeith | 1:38 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

PS: I think these problems also occur when one has Low Self Esteem Issues, or perhaps and probably was abused as a child them self. When you have low self esteem you tend to "prey upon" those sub servant to you. Rarely do you actually find a person with Good Self Esteem a Sex Abuser, or confidence in themselves with those of the sex they abuse. It is so very sad. As per all the comments about grammar and spelling, download "Fire Fox" that browser has "Spell Check" built right in!(Go to a search Engine put in Firefox, and go to the Mozilla Firefox site, it is FREE and has no virus)

RE: Thank Heavens | 2:31 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Maybe the people who are calling for such drastic actions that you object to are victims of these types of crimes. Maybe they are keeping things in perspective. I think more shame, and more severe punishment for sex offenses would actually prevent these types of events all together. The problem is so few of these types are caught, even less are convicted, and of course very few are punished. What I find intersting is that those headed toward punishment have individuals like you calling for people to keep things in perspective. Wild.

rd | 3:18 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Our penal system is unable to handle the excelerating influx of these out of control individuals. The perpertrators are miserable, the innocent victims lives are scarred and tramatized. A quick, fast track death penality would save society tens of thousands of dollars a year housing feeding these wretched persons, give closure to the families of the victims and send these individuals on the the next life where they could truly pay for their choices.

Barbara | 3:36 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

How sad for so many-the children and their families, the school system, the friends and friends who trusted him. He must be the saddest of all-to commit these crimes.

Anonymous | 3:43 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Not sending kids to public school is not the answer to the problem. Most kids that are sexually abused are abused by a relative or someone they have close contact with. While it is regrettable that it has happened in public schools that instances are rare. If you think keeping them out of school will solve the problem then you should probably keep them home from church as well.

Alan needs help | 3:47 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Alan, if you are hoping you don't have the same illness, you need to see some professional and make sure to never hurt anyone.

beliver | 4:34 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

Public school teachers are no worse or better than private school teachers or charter school teachers. It is the society that we live in. And please lets leave God out of the issue. The man has serious issues when it comes to children. The law of the land needs to sit in judgment. God will sit in judgment later. I agree with putting him in with the general population in prison. But I am not sure he deserves to die that way.

Cleetorn | 4:59 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

I have worked in "the system" for more than 25 years and have seen scores of child molesters come and go. Though my profession demands something else, I am still thoroughly convinced that the only truly effective way to "rehabilitate" a child molester is to radically alter their pulse rate.

mom0f3 | 5:05 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

There sure seems to be alot of sympathy for this guy! "Oh the poor man cant control himself around kids its not his fault poor thing, lets give him a break"! Cry me a river I am so sick of these perverts preying on little kids and for those of you that have said it is a sexual orientation, GIVE ME A BREAK!!!! I dont care what the situation, this in NEVER justified.

mom0f3 | 5:11 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

There sure seems to be alot of sympathy for this guy! "Oh the poor man cant control himself around kids its not his fault poor thing, lets give him a break"! Cry me a river I am so sick of these perverts preying on our children. I dont care what the situation, this in NEVER justified. I dont for one second this monster needs anybodys sympathy!

!What!!! | 6:57 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

MVH-You may believe that "An adult sexual desire for children is a sexual orientation, just as homosexuality." But I do consider myself a liberal thinking person and I don't think that way at all. And I don't know of any of my liberal friends that think that way either. I feel that if the pervert is guilty, put him away. I also believe in freedom of religion, freedom of speech and all of the other freedoms we are given in this country, but never at the expense of harming others, especially those who can't defend themselves.

You in fact very LIBERALLY labeled a lot of people into what is probably a very small category. You also very liberally stated your point of view. You were not very conservative about your opinion at all.

I don't think that perversion can be labeled liberal or conservative. It is just perversion. And it can be hidden under any mask. So watch out for all of the perverts not just the liberal ones.

One thing that I think we can agree on as human beings is that people who abuse children should be locked up.

Anonymous | 8:41 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

TOTAL LOSER-PUT HIM IN PRISON AND THROW AWAY THE KEY. AT LEAST OTHER CHILDREN WILL BE SAFE FROM THIS MONSTER WHILE HE GETS THINGS FIGURED OUT. ANYONE WHO WOULD VIOLATE A CHILD SHOULD BE PUT AWAY FOREVER.

No Homo | 10:41 p.m. Sept. 21, 2007

The quimby needs to be in jail.

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