Comments about ‘Ex-choir member ordered to prison in porn case’

How is it that possessing porn on the computer is a felony but lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor is only a misdemeanor? ARGH!

Why does the Choir keep getting mention here? What if he had been a short-lived member of the BYU Men's Chorus or the Choral at U of U? Would the headline then read Ex-BYU Men's Chorus member (or Ex-Choral member) ordered to prison?

With a headliner like that it appears that someone just wants their article to get read, huh?!

I could not agree more. Why sensationalize this story with the mention of choir membership? That is nothing but a cheap shot at a very dedicated group of hard working volunteers. Come on editor . . do your job!

SO MATTHEWS WAS A TAB CHOIR MEMBER....WHAT HAS THAT TO DO WITH HIS PROBLEM? GREAT ADVERTISING FOR THE CHURCH DESERET NEWS! WITH THE PORN PROBLEMS THAT ARE OUT THERE, I'LL BET YOU CAN PURGE OUT MORE OFFENDERS FROM THE CHOIR RANKS. THEY SEEM TO BE EVERYWHERE, EVEN AMONG THE ELECT! SAD COMMENTARY ON THE HUMAN RACE.

When I was a boy growing up in New York City -- about 1953 -- I was a member of the YMCA in the Bronx. Swimming suits were not allowed in the pool. Men and boys always swam naked and no one thought anything about it. What a difference 50 years makes in what people think is lewd.

It's said but true, every time a LDS,(MORMON), breaks the law it is in the paper MORMON does such and such. People tend to forget that the Gospel Of Jesus Christ is perfect, people are not, no mater what fath you are people are flowed. All religions have good people and some bad people. Just like the Catholic priest when they blow it the Catholic church should never have been brought in to the equation, or when fanatic Muslims create tearer cause we are not Muslims, does that make all bad not, just the few.

So the Mormons find a freak in their midst and throw him out. We Catholics, on the other hand, study the issue, give the freak non-essential assignments, cover the whole thing up, and pay off the victims later. Kudos to the Mormons - they do the right thing, and do it fast.

Why is it that 'temple-worthy' mormons commit felonies? Shouldn't others be admonished in the church who examined this individual by revelation of the Holy Ghost to retain their TempleRecommend and also be called to choir membership???

I Don't think this was a matter of trying to get the article read by mentioning of the Choir memeber. I think the purpose of the mention is because we as a society require a higher standard of people of any religious background, especialy for those who have a great deal of action with the church activities. It is also possible that the coment was mad because society wants the people to know no matter your background, when committing such a crime will not be tolorated by any means. I feel it is harder for most people to forgive others when that person is to be setting the example of the way we should be conducting our privet lives. I would hope because the mention of his church activities would help others to try just a little hader to set a higher standard of living in all walks of life.

I'm not sure where I stand on the whole issue, because I'd certainly never swim nude with a bunch of boys, nor would I want my 12-year-old son to do the same with older men. That said, it is a bit curious that swimming naked with four boys in a warm springs nets a man 3 years in prison, whereas if he had instead taken them all to the gym for a workout, and then showered naked with them afterward in the public showers, there would be no problem. But I do seem to recall that this man also took pictures of the boys while bathing. Now THAT, my friend, demonstrates a different motive entirely.

What about all the pics of naked babies? Why are they thought of as "cute" and why doesn't anybody respect the privacy of infants or care that the babies may not want their bodies photographed and published in a book or posted in the mall for anyone and everyone to see? Is there a cut-off age when it isn't "cute" or "adorable" anymore and turns into porn?

I think it is important to point out that this pervert was a Tab Choir member because it shows that our church is NOT perfect. Priesthood leaders make mistakes, their revelation is not perfect. Parents should watch their children closely and not give complete trust to anyone else. Hello? Why are windows being installed on Primary room doors? Why can men not teach Primary without another adult present? Wake up folks, the priesthood is not your catch-all. Stop being so naiive.

As far as pointing out the individual was a member of the Tab choir...why is that really an issue. Take note: He WAS a member and he WAS booted out because of his immoral and illegal acts. To me, it's extremely relevant that the church took action rather than turning its head. Is this really negative publicity...I think not. It shows the church didn't ignore the inappropriate behaviors.

Some "Temple-worthy Mormons" commit felonies because of free-agency. And why would a bishop or member of the stake presidency be held accountable for this? Sure a recommend is given after an interview and with inspiration from the Holy Ghost, but most criminally-minded people can be quite persuassive and sincere.

However, be assured, the unworthy will be held accountable and for all to know, basically the New Testament says, What is done in darkness will be proclaimed from the rooftops (see Matthew 10:26-27)

I think he was kicked out because of the charges.

Thank goodness that we have a system in place that takes swift action and permanent action when things like this arise. Remember, we can fool man, but God cannot be mocked. The scriptures say, "Be sure your sin will find you out." I am so thankful that he was caught in time before he hurt anyone other than himself. ( Physically that is) Then again.......Who knows, right? Only God truly knows!

What does his religon have to do with it. Im tired of every time an L D S person does something wrong. The first thing that pops up is that they are L D S. What does his religon or beliefs have to do with what they did. He is a sicko and he was caught. Thanks for pertecting are kids

I think the guy got off with a slap on the hand, in 3 short years anyone with little kidlets had best keep an eye out for this guy and others like him. I think it would serve society well if they castrated him and sent him to prison for life.

LDS people absolutely love it when someone does something fantastic and the press mentions that they are a Mormon! Members will then tell everyone, 'oh, by the way, he's LDS you know'. PLEASE.......... an offender who is a choir member, a priest, a policeman, a school teacher, whatever is news! You have to take the good with the bad and stop saying, 'they ALWAYS mention the Church if its bad'. How boring!!

It would not be appropriate to mention religion, however we Mormons like to espouse our high virtue and perfection to the world. So as long as we think we are the only true and near perfect people publically, we are open for being critisized publically for our hipocracy. Since the membership is not perfect lets be less outspoken about our high standards, we bring this on ourselves. We are mortals stop pretending to be perfect... then the fall isn't so far. We are the ones that brag our choir being ALL temple recommend holders. So its fair game.

The guy's guilty and deserves to be punished by WHY start the piece with the words "Ex Tabernacle Choir member?"