I started to include the LDS in my Hypocrisy Watch posts after being told that sexual abuse does not happen in the “true church”. While it is true that sexual abuse is not reported as often, sexual abuse happens none the less.
Michael Jay Pratt was arrested for having sex with an underage girl. Pratt is the principal of an LDS seminary adjacent to Lone Peak High School. He allegedly sexually abused a teen girl while he should have been teaching seminary.
According to Utah County Sheriff Sergeant Matt Higley, Pratt was booked on suspicion of several crimes, including aggravated kidnapping, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, aggravated forcible sexual abuse, forcible sodomy, object rape, lewdness, burglary, criminal trespassing, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and enticing a minor.
In a probable cause statement obtained by ABC 4 News, Pratt began a sexual relationship with the girl in May. The pair met or traveled to numerous locations around Utah County to engage in sexual acts, including oral sex. The sites of the alleged acts include Bridal Veil Falls and Vivian Park in Provo Canyon, Rock Canyon, Warm Springs Park near Goshen, and a mine near the town of Eureka.
Utah is an odd place. Three acts of abuse happened in Vivian Park, where a railroad boxcar is on display. Pratt and his victim allegedly used the boxcar for sexual encounters. A boxcar on display in a park near where I live would not last 10 days. What are they thinking? They might as well have put up a sign that reads, “have sex here.”
I found a YouTube video with more information.
At least I don’t have to hear he’s not a real Christian. What with Mormonism being a cult and all.