Comments about ‘Seminary student's account of sex abuse is cautionary tale’

I hope his wife never has to see this... absolutely terrible and messed up on all sides.

Manipulator. We know another like him. Everyone said he was the greatest guy around. Took advantage our our child. These are adults. Been around the block. They know what they are doing. Put him away.

Pray for Michael Pratt? No. Pray for the wife and children he turned his back on.

What a sad, sad story. Thanks to the courage of the victim and her Father for giving this account. It is sobering reminder to all of us that even good people can commit stupid, evil acts.

I can't believe that the victim is being allowed to talk to the press and I can't believe the press is actually asking her to recount the details for them. This girl has been exploited enough, she doesn't need to be exploited by the media too just to get the "breaking story". Please, place a gag order on this case to stop the madness!

Though he has done some inexcusable things, this girl has been brainwashed to think she was brainwashed. It is easy to point the finger because of his position of trust, but more importantly why was this girl looking for this type of guidance in seminary? I think all the people who dropped the ball to begin with, the parents, church leaders, friends, and even other family members are eager to point blame. I do believe he misused his power and what he did was wrong, don't misunderstand me, but it is the family and friends who are eager to point the blame elsewhere, when as a community they let this girl down just as much as the seminary teacher did. Let this be a lesson to all of us, to be the type of friend that is watching, to not have the young people looking for a friend, but choosing one to listen to their dreams, hopes, aspirations, and also the fears that influence them.

Pratt needs to take responsibility for his actions. Period. There lies the accountability for those actions; He had the opportunity to turn it ALL around when confronted by the girl's parents the end of May according to this account. It was a wake up call of sorts, but was ignored. NONE of it was real young lady. Sorry for your pain. Move forward as best you can and DON'T look back like Lot's wife. Stay close to your parents, let them be the ones you turn to beside prayer. Stay with those your age as friends too.

According to the article:

"Police say Pratt checked the girl out of school at least three times without her parents' knowledge or permission, according to a police affidavit filed in 4th District Court."

Okay, so WHO was it at the school that permitted him to sign the girl out? Is that person still employed?

Why is this account in the newspaper if the case is still in the court system?

Getting the pitch forks and torches ready early I guess?

What a mess.....

Sad, sad sad, textbook grooming and lives ruined. The LDS Church did apparently conduct some investigations before firing him. He is probably going to prison for a while. Would not be surprised if he tried to plead this to get less time.

Of course it is up to the officers of the court, Pratt's own conscience and ultimately God to judge his guilt. It is true that no one is ever completely free from flaw, sin, vice, and perhaps crime. I can only hope that one man's failure will not be used as ammunition against thousands of good religious people who live their religions, love God, and do true good in the world. Like the scandals with Catholic priests, let the man be judged, not the religion. No one should feel less inclined to follow the tenets of his faith because someone screws up. Judas screwed up, but it does not mean Christ was wrong in being a Jew.

My heart goes out to his family, to the girl, and to him. I am sure glad my personal failures and faults aren't publicized for all to see. That being said, this is just another sign of the times. "Wolves in sheep's clothing..."

I think it's important for her Dad to know, that while I feel she will be held accountable for her behavior, I don't think she's a "little slut." I think she is a young woman who although she knew right from wrong, made a bad decision. Hopefully she will heal and move on. Take heart from others who have had public scandals. They come back better than ever. Vanessa Williams and Martha Stewart come to mind.

Satan is a great guy to, who is cunning and deceiving in every way. He is manipulate, tell some truths and will tell some lies. Does that make him a wonderful person, who is caring, loving and supportive? Not for one split second. He is miserable and wants you to be miserable like unto himself. I hope this guy will accept responsibility for his actions and face the grave consequences that he surely must face. HE cannot minimize or lie about anything he has done and purger himself in the trial. This pervert must pay the price for what he has done. God is no respector of persons. You will be punished for the principles and laws of the gospel that you break. If these people that feel sorry for Pratt were the victims like this young girl, they would feel completely different and would have no respect for him. Pratt has a long road ahead of him and I hope that he does the right thing in order to be forgiven of this grevious sin. I hope he doesn't choose to lie and fabricate stories. If he does, he will face the great judge upstairs. Good Luck,

Satan has nothing to do with it. Pratt alone is responsible for his misdeeds.

The girl must forgive this guy. She should not forget the bad that he has done, but she should learn to forgive him. Christ taught us all to forgive and to love the sinner. He did not say we should allow sinners to avoid their just punishment but that if we fail to forgive the greater sin is in us. Most people who call themselves Christian are quick to judge and slow to forgive when they should be just the opposite. I think the teacher, if guilty, should be put in prison for a good while but not for life.

The teenager tells the story very detailed and seems crushed when talking about their relationship. It would be difficult for a jury to find this guy not guilty based on her testimony.

Side note: What is going on in Utah with these teachers?

Don't be so quick to assume the thoughts, intentions, or characters of either the girl of Bro. Pratt.
To say that the family is wanting to point a finger or to infer that the Bro. Pratt turned his back on his family is inappropriate.
More often than not, in a case where the offender and the victim have a close and trusting relationship, the emotional and spiritual issues involved are much more complex than anything a dozen news articles would even begin to touch on.
Guilt or innocence aside I doubt that any reader of this article (at least those that have posted a comment) can correctly or rightfully understand the situation

Great, you told the girl's side of the story so for journalistic integrity you are going to print Pratt's side of the story right? You wouldn't want to be influencing the potential jurors in this case would you? Isn't this paper owned by the LDS Church, Pratt's former employer? Shouldn't there be some disclosure to that face?

Wow, I'm surprised a judge would allow this interview.