Deseret News | Ex-Piute High School coach charged with rape

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Ex-Piute High School coach charged with rape

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WOW | 6:49 p.m. Feb. 21, 2008

I just wonder what would have happened to Mr. Sweat if he hadn't been a coach?? Parents,is winning that important? Parents, do you realize how much influence a "coach" has on your children? Parents, don't tell me that you didn't hear some of the rumors back in 2005? To those of you, who wonder why a young girl would go to an attractive male teachers' home--have you heard of grades, bragging, peer pressure, and etc? The students are youth and Mr. Sweat is suppose to be the adult. Whether he is convicted or not, he should be on a sexual predator list just because there have been more than one allegation. No wonder there is a shortage of teachers, when we have men like him in the system giving the great ones a bad name.

Anonymous | 7:25 p.m. Feb. 21, 2008

you shouldn't fight as a town. This is very hard to take when you are a small town.. Blame--- That is was lawyers get paid for to find the blame... Things happen and so does shocking things. This is wrong we are all humans and all humans makes mistakes. This could really hurt and scar a town but time does heal. And no mother would want this to happen to their child. Mothers can't be everywhere all the time and children in big children make mistakes.

Observation | 9:16 p.m. Feb. 21, 2008

Due to the volume and tone of these posts I sense a great amount of repression and anger in Piute. Maybe the powers that be should reflect on what has caused this torrent of anger. Maybe it is going to do you all a service to get all of this out into the open where this can see the light of day.

Comments continue below

Thinking about it all | 9:31 p.m. Feb. 21, 2008

I think there are many issues that need to be addressed here . it is a small community and people will not come forth, because they are afraid of ramifications. thats the story in piute school beleive me i know

DLP | 6:53 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Mr Sweat is charged with two charges of Rape a first degree felony and he is out on bail. If this were a Wasatch Front case he would be in jail waiting for the court appearance.

Sick n Tired | 7:23 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

There are only a few people makiing the negative comments about our current teachers, administration, and school on this blog. They don't speak for the entire community. And they don't have the facts. Their accusations are not reflecting the truth. They have been told the truth over and over again, but refuse to listen. Don't listen to them. They have nothing better to do than try to stir it up. Been doing it for years and probably won't quit any time soon. But the other news is that as soon as some other poor soul screws up, they'll drop all this and start in on them. Its a cycle. These people need to go out and get a job if they have nothing better to do - and if they have a job, perhaps they should start worrying more about how well they are doing that job, instead of how badly other people are doing theirs.

Anonymous | 8:00 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

I always respected a teacher that coaches, but never respected a coach that teaches.

I think the main criteria is what the person does in the classroom.

Teachers that coach teach so much more to the players and students because they understand the purpose of working with kids. They also rarely have the problems associated with these type of issues.

That is why (and I will wait to make a judgment,) I'm interested to see what happens with Scott Mitchell.

OUTSIDER | 10:54 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

As an ousider to the "mess" it appears to me a couple of things really need to take place. 1) because of the relationship between board members and school officials the stae needs to conduct an investigation into "ALL" allegations. It would be appropriate to say there is more going on in Piute than just this incident. 2) Parents need to visit witht their children, especially their girls and make sure they have not been approached or "attacked" by ANY male at their school, ever. 3) outside law enforcement personnel need to handle the investigation to ensure it is impartial. It would be very hard for small town law enforcement not to pick a side and allow "feelings" to get in the way. I am also surprised local TV media has not reported or followed this story. It appears much deeper than what the surface is showing.

The Authority | 11:10 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

In today's world, it would be stupid for any high school coach to have players at their home without their parents or other adults. I agree that he is innocent until proven guilty, but to put himself in the situation was stupid in the first place.

As for the "sweeping things under the rug," uh there are a lot of gossips around. Lots of people make stories better or embellish them. If there were other victims, they should have gone to the cops, not the school district. Rape is a crime that the law needs to deal with. Reporting it to the school district is like telling the manager at Wal-mart that the door greeter tried to stab you. It may get him fired, but it wouldn't do anything to protect anyone else from him.

Note to all parents and teenaged girls who may read this ï¿½ rape is a crime and needs to be reported to the cops as soon as it occurs. It's hard to do, but the sooner its reported, the more can be done about it.

Well Said | 11:59 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

To Authority:
Well said!! I couldn't agree more!! And also To Bad Blogs: AMEN!!!

School resonsibilites | 12:24 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Yes, the girls should have gone to the cops. But, by law, if you go to the school administration, they have to report it to the cops. In a sense, they are the cops, policing the schools. They have broken the law.

PHS | 12:33 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

As a PHS Grad I feel bad about the way people are trashing our school and community. PHS is an awesome school, but something has needed to be done about this years ago...many rumors have gone around about numerous teachers from many years back. There has been a problem with a few teachers at Piute and if someone says they didn't know about it or hear about it, they are lying. It's a shame that no one who officially got the allegations from the victims didn't do anything until now. I cannot understand why these types of issues would be swept under the rug. Anyone involved in the "sweeping" should be gone. I don't think they realize how many lives they have helped to scar. I think that not only Lawson should be prosecuted, but also the few others from the past. The actions of these individuals have brought shame to our community.

Ending on a positive note...Thanks to all of Piute's staff who are awesome and upstanding teachers who are good examples who make Piute a great place.

Re: Outsider | 12:39 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

well said outsider. i especially agree with the comment on letting outside law enforcement handle it. i grew up in a small community and i know how easily certian people are allowed to get away with things. it's nothing against the officers in piute county theres just too many connections in a small town for the local police to handle this.(not to mention apparently they don't really do a great job of handling things in piute county) and to that bishop guy... why do you care about the spelling?! Lawson was an english teacher and i'm sure he's not thinking about if there is spelling errors in the comments people are talking smack about him in

Disgusted in Piute | 1:07 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

We all make choices... and pay for our choices! Lawson will, just like we all do! WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE is the principal and asst. principal! they are afraid to stand up and take accountability, because they might offend a friend or relative!!! Give me a break! And you run the HS?? and you are in charge of our kids education?? You let the kids and staff do whatever they want and its 'just ok' because you dont want to do your job and take a stand on anything!! I am a parent and have been saying for sometime that someday something is going to go down at that HS and it ISNT going to just be swept under the rug... there will be damages, lawsuits, and here we are!

Ex-T-bird | 1:20 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

I have been watching the posts closely as this is interesting to me. Some posts are missing with other allegations. Des News, did you get threats? Just curious. As a former T-bird, I believe that the entire school system there needs to be looked at, not just one individual. Is it wrong for those who are posting about other problems to voice their concerns?

deseretnews.com moderator | 2:19 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

We are removing and not posting any comments that accuse people of crimes or conduct that could damage someone's reputation. If anyone is aware of crimes being committed or inappropriate conduct, that should be reported to the proper authorities.

former teacher | 2:22 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

I have worked in several school districts and I have to say PHS is a special place in many ways. I remember a story about a female teacher in hurricane, a male teacher in cedar city, just to name a few. this happens everywhere. bad teachers happen everywhere. if I was truly concerned about what happened in a school, I would become a substitute and get first hand knowledge what a school is like. phs has great kids, some great teachers and staff, and they lack the high drop out rates, high pregnancy rates, high failing rates in general. it is sad to judge a system on rumors or one teachers actions. the principals and authorities have handled this just as it should have been. look around to the town people who claim to have had first hand knowledge of the allegations occurring. what is your accountability? why weren't you going to the sheriff, or the town board and letting what you saw be known. Because the only time you want to be courageous is on an anonymous post. hats off to phs for all the good things that happen and for all that work hard to make them happen

Justifiably Angry | 3:40 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Piute county is an amazing community that cares for one another, looks out for one another, helps keep each other safe. That someone we so eagerly welcomed into our tight nit community has violated that trust and endangered our children is reprehensible. I pray that this ugly matter does not fracture us as a community. Our girls took second in State 1A bb! Our Boys are doing well in region. The High School staff continues to honor, respect, protect and educate our children. No, Piute isn't perfect, what school is, but I wouldn't have my kids in any other school. I trust the authorities to get to the bottom of any "miss handling" issues associated with this case, and if it's found that the school board, administrators or sheriff are at fault I will be at the front of the line demanding resignations.

concerned | 9:32 a.m. Feb. 24, 2008

Piute County needs to get more involved in the issues there. and be a part of the meetings and help with decisions. what wrong with an active P.T.A. to go to the board meeting We have just a handfull of people running the show with no attendence.Perhaps some input and help at the meetings would work think about it. or like Johnson did while he was ther he made sure the parents and taxpayers were aware of wht was going on in our district Thank you

re: Justifiably Angry | 10:29 a.m. Feb. 24, 2008

Well said...I 100% agree.

WOW!! | 10:40 p.m. Feb. 24, 2008

I'm not sure anyone here has any idea of what they are talking about when it comes to Lawson. This story doesn't seam right to me, if he got up to answer the phone why did the girl not leave? Lawson has been my friend, choach, and teacher. Anyone who knew him outside of Piute High school knows that he had a few problems in his personal life, yet who doesn't? Personaly Lawson Sweat has changed my life, He mad me relize I had potental in life, he brought me back from the edge of depression and straightened out my life.

Re: WOW!! | 11:10 p.m. Feb. 24, 2008

Let me guess...you were a male student.

L.SWEAT | 12:23 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008

FREE LAWSON!

Reply to WOW! | 2:17 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008

That is Great (wow), that he was able to help you out! should we just tell the judge that? What about the females victimized? They are not able to get back what has been takin from them!!! Everyone knows, or has heard this has been going on for a long time-----THE TIME HAS COME TO stop sticking up for this guy--- It is wrong what happened! Im sure he did some good things, but NOBODY has the right to take advantage of students

re: former teacher | 3:30 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

You are correct that this type of thing goes on in a lot of places. As for going to the proper authorities, in the past when a parent, and I have been there, approached the School Board with ANY concerns, we were treated like dirt. Like we were trying to "disrupt" their little private world. We are so grateful we finally have a great superintendent that does his job, and one new school board member, Erin, that truly cares about right and wrong. We are glad that this was finally brought to some of the proper people and that it is being taken care of. Piute has a lot of great teachers and people, but there have problems in the past that weren't dealt with. Good to see some changes, and hopefully there will be more.

wendover friend | 3:33 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Has anyone heard what happened to him today? I think that he was supposed to be in court. I hope it all works out for him and his sweet wife.

Anonymous | 10:22 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Pretty sure what he did really has nothing to do with the school so STOP dissing Piute High because there was nothing we could do to stop him

Nothing??? | 11:01 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

There was nothing you could do to stop him?????? How about seeing the other alleged victims and helping them press until you could help them stop him? Lawson has had trouble flirting, if not more, with the girls at the school since he first got there. We are all guilty of not going to those parents and informing them. And of the really bad cases??? Shame on us for not going farther than the school board. Piute High is not the problem. It is a good building that was strongly built. I hope it can withstand the storm that is brewing now.

Sad | 9:13 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

To all of those that have commented about Piute in a negative way: I am saddened by all the negative comments and blame put on the teachers, admisistration, school board, etc. Piute High School was and is a great school! I am proud to have come from there! Yes, a terrible thing has happened, but quit trying to put blame on every person that has something to do with the school. So many lies have been said and people are just trying to get their 5 mins. of fame by stating horrible facts. Things like this happen all the time in big school districts. I'm not saying that it is right- because it is NOT! It never should have happened. But the blaming of others needs to stop!

RE: To sad | 4:58 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I agree that all of the blame shouldn't be put on the school, Piute is a really good school in alot of ways, but the truth is that many people went to the school principal and vice-principal. Some even went to the school board and nothing was done. These people were treated very badly and this kind of un-professionalism is what gives Puite a bad name. Yes Lawson was the one in the wrong, but so were the people in charge of keeping the students safe, they didn't do thier jobs, and we all know that so lets make a change and stand up for what we know is right and stop being a "good ole boys club" around here!

Anonymous | 5:33 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

all of you who are talking trash on the girl...you should be ashamed. being raped myself i understand the pain she has gone through. you should be supportive, not doubtful of her story.

PHS GRAD | 10:55 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

This problem started about 10 years ago, not the Lawson case in particular, but the School Board pushing out or getting rid of most of their really good faculty. Then replacing former teachers with less experianced less educated teachers. Lawson didn't even have his teaching degree yet he was paid a full teachers salary.And when it was brought to the attention of several Administrators and School Board Members they turned a deaf ear cause they didn't want to hear it. After all they are the ones who hired him. Lawson will have to pay for what he has done through the justice system, the problem is that the majority of the school board remain. They need to be removed from their responsibilities cause obviously they don't have any concern for the well being of the kids at the school. (as long as it is not their own)

quity or innocent? | 7:47 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Just what has happened to being innocent until proven guilty and I don't mean rumors or flirts I mean rape. So lets not hang the guy in the public court yard until the evidence has shown he was guilty. And if he is guilty he will have to pay but if not he is already paying for it, his life will never be the same and everyone else will go back to there rumors and life. I have also seen this side of false acusations so lets let the courts handle this. Even though most have made up there mind he is guilty. But is he guilty of dumb choices by being to much a friend not staying his distance from the students,or is it really rape. If you have your minds made up already then why is there a court system just follow the rumors and all the talk not the law. I am waiting to see what comes out in court then decide, what about you?

re:re: former teacher | 12:12 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

if you are so upset with your school board then quit electing them!! Oh that's right the majority must not feel this way. It seems to me that if the school board treated people like dirt when they voiced their concerns, then the school board would not have been reelected.

Anonymous | 10:10 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

The majority didn't really believe they were aiding in the "sweeping" of this issue...until now. Let's see how many are re-elected.

Just interested | 9:05 a.m. Feb. 28, 2008

To anonymous Now were talking I think we citizens should show more interest in what is going on come on Piute county Let get people on these elected positions that are watching out for the people

STOP GOSSIP /SHOW PROOF | 11:19 a.m. Feb. 28, 2008

I feel we have great elected officials and administration. Just because someone puts something in an anonymous blog doesn't make it true. Most of what has been said here is pure gossip. I know for a fact that the administration and the school board are the ones who took this matter to professional practices and the attorney general. Doesn't seem like any sweeping going on! So quit bashing innocent hard working people and show us some proof of your accusations,obviously you don't have any or you would have went to the authorities. Gossip is for uneducated people who are too lazy to pursue the truth.

this is sad | 12:54 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

People you are putting so much energy towards these blogs when you really should go and support our boys this weekend. Last night they played and beat an up north team that was ranked number 1.. I was so glad that I went down there and watched them play, they really did a great job. don't waist your weekend on this stuff here lets go and support them.
I myself am very proud of the boys and how well they played. You can all rally on negative things why wont you rally on a positive thing and go and support them?? It would be really cool if you all would go the short distance to richfield and yell, scream and cheer these GREAT BOYS on into a state championship title. I know they can do it but they need to know they have our community support behind them.
Please stop your mean negative comments at this time, Piute county is not far at all from Richfield and we should all be down there.
This lawson thing can wait its like house work it will still be there tomorrow......

re: this is sad. | 1:32 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

if you want to support the boys and write about them then start a blog about them. this is about the victim and what happened to her. not the mention all the other girls that haven't come forward..

to re: this is sad | 3:07 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

sorry to inform you, but this is not about the victim its about all of you that want to come in here and trash on people and piute county because you don't have anything better to be doing with your time.
have you not been reading the posts?? They say give no support at all to any of your so called "victims" the majority of them like yourself just trash on everyone.
My question to you is ... " does it make you feel big???"
Sorry but I would have to agree with who ever posted the this is sad blog. We should be positive!! Way to go to the boys I do congratulate them

To this is sad? | 7:15 p.m. Feb. 29, 2008

It is nice the team is doing well this year but seriously what does this have to do with Lawsons Rape Charges? Nobody is trashing on the school board or the perpertrator any more tan the facts are the facts. we need some changes and the people need to come forth like they are everyone has a right to know what is going on, and truth be known most of the postings , there is some truth to all of them and someone better listen.

Re Stop Gossip | 5:54 p.m. March 3, 2008

The School board was forced to bring the alegations forth this time. But two years ago when a different students family came forth and said she had been sexually exploited they did nothing. The school board only acts when their hand is forced, so don't tell me how hard working and great these people are.

Agreed | 8:36 p.m. March 3, 2008

You have got it right because i don't know where some of these people have been. The school board and the superintendent and a teacher or two, and the state school board and the sheriff all knew.

Anonymous | 12:37 p.m. March 4, 2008

well coming from a girl that was with lawson i think that he is sick in the head!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he was wrong for doing what he did and i think the sick son of a bitch deserves everthing that he gets! so when all you dumb asses have walked a mile in my shoes or your teenage daughter has had this happen to her then say your on his side or your not going to judge him.... i think that he needs to go far far away where the big boys can handle there business with him!

To Anonymous | 3:13 p.m. March 4, 2008

I'm so glad you put your comment on hear so some of these self rightous people can get a grip on life and what he has done to you poor victims of his

CURIOUS | 3:43 p.m. March 4, 2008

Why Hasn"t this matter been taken care of a couple of years ago when the first allegations came forth, and before he got to more of the girls?

Curious | 3:47 p.m. March 4, 2008

This is sad!!!!!!!!why wasnt this matter taken care of a couple of years ago be fore he could get some moe of the young girls????????SHAME ON YOU

CHECK IT OUT | 4:23 p.m. March 4, 2008

EVERONE WHO SERVES ON THE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD TAKE THE ISSUES AT HAND SERIOUS. pIUTE AUTHORITIES SHOULD BE WONDERING HOW MANY OF THEIR GIRLS ARE EFFECTED BY THIS CRIME.

to Check it out | 4:59 p.m. March 4, 2008

Your correct and anyone that goes to the school there should be questioned about Lawsons terrible behavior. The kids know what has went on

an outsider | 9:45 a.m. March 6, 2008

To CURIOUS.
Have you ever stopped to consider the friendship that Lawson made with the two co-principals? If they did come forward, what would happen. He had them in his hands the whole time. When he is friends with the Sheriff and everyone knows it, who are you going to report to? When one principal has doen somewhat the same thing years ago, and the other one has had picked Lawson to take over for him in coaching baseball, who do you go to? When other victims have been brought up, they have been ridiculed do you dare say anything? It was said earlier that Lawson was warned by some fathers to stay away from their daughters. Why do you think this is? Could it be that he only victimized those that he thought would not tell and might not be believed for some reason? Ask those fathers that did warn him and I bet you find out that their daughters or sons told them what a creep/perpetrater he was/is. As for Lawson's friends, you are as guilty as he is because you knew what he was doing.

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