Former LDS Seminary Principal Michael Pratt Sentenced To Five Years To Life For Sexual Abuse Of Underage Girl In American Fork, Utah

The 15-month saga of former Lone Peak High School seminary principal Michael Pratt, which began with his arrest in July 2009, finally came to an end in Fourth District Court in American Fork, Utah on September 20th, 2010. Judge Christine Johnson sentenced Pratt to five years to life on a host of charges related to the sexual abuse of one of his underage female students. Media stories published by the Provo Daily Herald, the Deseret News, the Salt Lake Tribune, and KSL Channel 5.

All previous posts on this case available HERE; the most recent post will appear first.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Pratt will serve five years to life on each of three first-degree felony charges and one to fifteen years for his second-degree felony charge. All sentences are to be served concurrently. After a year of legal maneuvering, he finally pleaded guilty in June 2010 to one count of forcible sodomy, two counts of object rape -- all first-degree felonies -- and one second-degree felony count of forcible sexual abuse.

Pratt himself addressed the court briefly. "I pray that those who I've hurt, whether or not they can forgive me right now, hope they can find the healing, and the hope and peace that they need in their life," Pratt said quietly. "I acknowledge that I did wrong, prepared to pay whatever the price I need to pay for that." But the unidentified victim told Pratt a strong voice: "Today I want to make it clear to you, I am no longer blinded by your craftiness, my eyes are wide open," she said. "I am no longer your puppet, your toy, your game."

The abuse began innocently enough with text messaging, which became increasingly explicit sexually with the passage of time. Then by the first part of May 2009, it escalated into a sexual relationship, as Pratt checked her out of school on numerous occasions and took her to several places around the local area to have sex. In late July 2009, the unidentified victim spoke out and provided a detailed account of the activities. It is a sordid tale of manipulation - Pratt played every possible emotional card to hornswoggle his way into her pants.

Upon his arrest in July 2009, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints immediately removed him from his position as LDS seminary principal at Lone Peak High School. However, the LDS Church does not customarily take action against one's membership in a criminal case until the individual is either convicted or pleads guilty. Once Pratt pleaded guilty in June 2010, it can be assumed that the LDS Church convened a disciplinary court to take action against Pratt's membership, but the Church customarily doesn't publicize the results of such actions unless the recipient goes public first.

Former LDS Seminary Principal Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty To Four Felony Charges Of Sexual Abuse Of A Minor

Michael Pratt, a former seminary principal with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pleaded guilty to several sexual abuse charges on Tuesday June 1st, 2010. Pratt pleaded guilty to one count of forcible sodomy, two counts of object rape, all first-degree felonies, and one second-degree felony count of forcible sexual abuse. The most detailed story was published by the Provo Daily Herald; other useful sources include the Deseret News, the Salt Lake Tribune, and KSL Channel 5. KSL news video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

All previous posts on this case available HERE; the most recent post will appear first.

Pratt was charged with 15 felonies, including one count of rape, eight counts of forcible sodomy and five counts of object rape, all first-degree felonies, and one count of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse, all for a sexual relationship he began in 2009 with a 16-year-old seminary student at Lone Peak High School. His trial was to have begun on June 14th. The remainder of his charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Pratt faces a sentence of five years to life in prison for the first-degree felonies and one to 15 years in prison for the second-degree felony when he is sentenced August 31st. It is expected that he will serve as much as seven years in prison; the prosecution has already agreed to concurrent sentencing. Pratt's defense team is also asking that Pratt be sent to jail rather than prison. The victim herself spoke out at length about her experience in this July 26th, 2009 Deseret News article; she's reportedly satisfied with the outcome and relieved that she will not have to "re-live" the experience on the witness stand.

Yet it appears Pratt is still in partial denial. It is reported that Pratt pleaded guilty primarily to "take responsibility in the case" and because he felt the evidence against him was too strong. There's no evidence of any overt contrition on his part yet.

Implications on Pratt's LDS Church Membership: Although the LDS Church immediately removed Pratt from his seminary position when he was first arrested, no action was taken against his Church membership pending a resolution of the case. Now that Pratt has pleaded guilty, we can expect the Church to convene a disciplinary council. Because Pratt holds the Melchizedek Priesthood, his stake president most likely will convene the council rather than his bishop. The most likely outcome is excommunication, but the Church normally does not publicly disclose the outcome of these proceedings.

Pratt could be reinstated in the Church after his prison sentence is completed if he shows complete repentance. But because he committed a sexual offense against a minor, his Church records will be annotated so that he will never be allowed to be alone with children while at a Church function. This procedure was recently reiterated by the LDS Church's outside legal counsel Von Keetch.

Former LDS Seminary Principal Michael Pratt Hires Private Attorneys, Secures A Delay In Trial Until June 14th

Since my February 16th post on this case, former Lone Peak LDS seminary principal and accused child sex abuser Michael Pratt hired two private attorneys to take over his case, and was back in court on March 16th, 2010 to plea for a two-month delay in the start of his trial so the new attorneys will have time to get up to speed. Media stories published by the Provo Daily Herald, the Deseret News, and KSL Channel 5.

You can read all previous posts about this case HERE, with the most recent post appearing first. KSL news video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Pratt had dumped his public defenders because his case was taking up too much of their time. One of the defense attorneys, Dusty Kawai, said he had a total of 200 cases, and Pratt's case was taking 40 percent of his time every day. J.C. Wright was similarly encumbered. So Pratt hired two private attorneys, Stephen R. McCaughey and Jeremy M. Delicino about two weeks ago to take over the case, and McCaughey told 4th District Judge Christine Johnson that he would not have time to prepare for the trial by the proposed start date of April 12th because of numerous motions that have yet to be argued. He said the case is very serious and involves possible life sentences. McCaughey also said that on average, people with similar charges spend about seven to 10 years in prison, and assured the court that this was not a ploy by Pratt to delay the trial.

Prosecutor Julia Thomas told the judge she opposed the motion, just as she opposed the previous request. Although Pratt has new attorneys, she said rules of civil procedure are explicit in that the right to counsel of the defendant's choice are still subject to the court's schedule. She asserted that a new attorney appointment must still comply with deadlines that have been established by the court.

Judge Johnson granted the defense's request, setting a new start date of June 14th for the eight-day trial, but told McCaughey he is in this case until the end. She also told Pratt's new attorneys that she will not allow them to withdraw from the case and delay it again. She said she would not allow another "11th-hour" continuance.

Pratt remains free on bail. An additional preliminary hearing on several pre-trial motions on the admissibility of statements by Pratt's wife, whether Pratt occupied a position of trust as the girl's principal and other matters, originally set for March 23rd, has now been pushed forward until April 20th. Despite the fact that public opinion is massively shifting against Pratt, there is no talk yet of moving the proposed trial out of Utah County.

Pratt has pleaded not guilty to 15 different charges, including one count of rape, eight counts of forcible sodomy and five counts of object rape, all first-degree felonies, and one count of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse. The victim earlier testified the two had sexual encounters on several occasions in May and June 2009. Some of them occurred during school time, and she testified Pratt drove her to remote locations where the crimes took place. After the allegations became public, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints removed him from his position as a seminary principal. He is still a member of the Church so far as we know; the Church won't convene a disciplinary council unless he is convicted or confesses.

Defrocked Utah LDS Seminary Principal Michael Pratt Fails In His Attempt To Get Trial Delayed By Two Months; Still A "Go" For April 12th

Although an eight-day trial for former Lone Peak High School seminary principal Michael Pratt is set to begin on April 12th, 2010, Pratt and his defense team were back in court on February 16th, attempting to get a two-month delay in the start of the trial. Media stories published by the Provo Daily Herald (the most detailed report), the Deseret News, and KSL Channel 5. You can read all previous posts about this case HERE, with the most recent post appearing first. KSL news video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Pratt's defense team claimed they need more time to prepare for the trial, primarily because of their busy schedule as public defenders. One of the defense attorneys, Dusty Kawai, said he currently has 200 cases, and Pratt's case takes 40 percent of his time every day. Pratt's attorneys also said they have been unable to interview employees who worked at the seminary, although an arrangement has now been made to talk to them in the presence of an attorney for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

However, the girl's stepfather counterclaimed that any further detail would hinder her ability to get on with her life. He said she lost half her junior year to Pratt's manipulations, and she lost her entire senior year of high school as well. He also suggested that Pratt's attorneys have tried to "trivialize" the relationship and that they want the girl to turn 18 before she takes the stand at trial, so that she would appear less like a victim.

Fourth District Court Judge Christine Johnson agreed with the prosecution and refused to grant the delay. After the hearing, Dusty Kawai said he would try to have the trial moved to another jurisdiction, or at least have the size of the jury pool increased to ensure an impartial panel. He believes everyone in Utah County is potentially tainted because of the magnitude and emotion attendant to the case. Comments to the KSL news story indicate that much of the public has already bagged and tagged Pratt in their minds, notwithstanding the presumption of innocence. Pratt has pleaded not guilty to 15 different charges, including one count of rape, eight counts of forcible sodomy and five counts of object rape, all first-degree felonies, and one count of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse.

One more preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 23rd to argue several other pre-trial motions. Pratt's attorneys are attempting to exclude out-of-court statements made by his wife, as well as a note that was found in his car.

Former Seminary Principal Michael Pratt Pleads Not Guilty To 15 Different Felonies Relating To Sexual Abuse Of A Minor; Trial Set For April 12th, 2010

Former Lone Peak High School seminary principal Michael Pratt finally entered a plea in 4th District Court in American Fork, Utah on November 10th, 2009. He pleaded not guilty on 15 different charges. Media stories from the Provo Daily Herald, the Deseret News (which also recaps the case), the Salt Lake Tribune, and KSL Channel 5.

All previous posts on this case available HERE; the most recent post will appear first.

Pratt pleaded not guilty to one count of rape, eight counts of forcible sodomy and five counts of object rape, all first-degree felonies, and one count of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse, resulting from a sexual relationship between himself and an unidentified 16-year-old female student in his seminary class. During a preliminary hearing held on October 20th, the girl testified about more than 30 sex acts between the two, mostly fondling and oral sex. KSL news video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Prosecutors say regardless of if the student agreed to the relationship, that it is not a defense Pratt can use, since he held a position of trust over the victim. "A minor has a different perspective on relationships and what the expectations and motivations are and what the hidden agendas might be, and those are different with a minor than an adult; and that is the intent of the law, to protect children," prosecutor Julia Thomas said. The eight-day length of the trial will be necessary to allow sufficient time for the numerous witnesses the state will put on the stand. Thomas also said Pratt's alleged victim will testify, as well as several corroborating witnesses, and pointed out that only a fraction of the evidence was put forth at the October 20th preliminary hearing.

Judge Christine Johnson set an April 12th, 2010 start date for Pratt's trial, and signed an order refunding Pratt's original $20,000 cash bail that was paid with the help of friends. His revised bail of $30,000 cash or bond was paid for by All-American Bail Bonds.

Accused Sex Predator Michael Pratt Has Preliminary Hearing In American Fork, Utah; 17-Year-Old Victim Testifies Of Numerous Sexual Liaisons

Five weeks later than originally expected, former Lone Peak High seminary principal Michael Pratt, charged with 10 first-degree felony counts of forcible sodomy, seven counts of object rape, two counts of rape, and two second-degree felony counts of forcible sex abuse, finally had his preliminary hearing at 4th District Court in American Fork, Utah on October 20th, 2009. The alleged victim, now 17 years old, gave her testimony. This post combines and summarizes information reported by the Provo Daily Herald (the most detailed account), the Deseret News, KSTU Channel 13, and KSL Channel 5.

All previous posts on this case available HERE; the most recent post will appear first.

The preliminary hearing was originally expected to take place on September 15th. No particular reason for the delay was reported, but it was most likely to wait for additional cell phone records requested by the defense. The prosecution originally opposed the request. KSL news video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

The female victim testified she first met Pratt in January 2009 after transferring to a new seminary class, and the two began to talk frequently in his office. She said Pratt summoned her out of class one day, and she then began going to his office instead of class each day. There, the two would talk about what she said was "life in general," calling him a good friend and someone she trusted. The girl said the friendship continued until April 30th, when she recorded, with her camera, Michael Pratt singing her a song in his office. You can read the lyrics of the song HERE - if you really want to. Pratt also told her about a fantasy he had about her. The fantasy involved getting her out of school, going to Bridal Veil Falls for a picnic, kissing under the falls, going to a bed and breakfast in Provo and having sex. Then he would give her two tickets to Africa and they would leave together. She said she was shocked at the conversation.

The next day, May 1st, she spent the entire school day in Pratt's office. She said Pratt told her that he was in love with her and to think about it over the weekend. She left with a friend and told her what had happened. Over that weekend, she said she couldn't sleep or eat. She ended up having an anxiety attack and had to go to the hospital. She said Pratt was worried about her and kept calling and texting her, saying he shouldn't have done what he did. But she told him that he couldn't walk away. That night, Pratt went to her aunt's house and gave her a blessing.

Then on May 6th, he gave her his car keys and she left school, she said. She hid in the backseat of his car and he drove away. They ended up at Bridal Veil Falls, then at Vivian Park in Provo Canyon where he performed sex acts on her inside an abandoned train car. Another date was kissing-only because the girl had swine flu; Pratt caught it from her. Their next sexual contact happened at an abandoned house in her neighborhood on June 22nd (confirmed by photographic evidence of Pratt's car parked at the location). The Deseret News reports that she was attending an Especially For Youth LDS religious camp at the time. Then on June 25th, she was staying with her grandparents and he picked her up at a restaurant in Pleasant Grove. They drove to Santaquin, ate breakfast and then drove to an old mine in Eureka. She testified that they performed sex acts on each other in the mine and attempted to have sexual intercourse. They then went skinny dipping in a hot springs in Santaquin and again attempted to have sexual intercourse at his car. KSL reports that yet another sexual encounter took place on the roof of the seminary building.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that when it was all over, Judge Christine Johnson ruled that because of errors in the charging document, Pratt should stand trial on only 15 counts: one count of rape, eight counts of forcible sodomy and five counts of object rape, all first-degree felonies, and one count of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse. The girl's testimony did not match dates set down in charging documents by prosecutors. Pratt will be formally arraigned on the charges on November 10th, and then the judge will set a date for his trial. He faces up to life in prison if he is convicted.

Accused Sex Predator Michael Pratt's September 8th Hearing Bogs Down Over Cell Phone Records; New Hearing Scheduled For September 15th

The preliminary hearing scheduled for Michael Pratt on September 8th bogged down in a dispute between the defense and prosecution over cell phone records. The prosecution claims they've given the defense all they need, but the defense says they need more specific records. Media stories published in the Provo Daily Herald, the Deseret News, and KSL Channel 5.

All previous posts on this case available HERE; the most recent post will appear first.

Dusty Kawai, public defender for accused sex predator Michael Pratt, asked Judge Christine Johnson for a special hearing Tuesday to rule on evidentiary issues. Kawai said he has requested text message and phone records from the prosecutor's office, but they filed an objection in response. Defense attorneys can get the information they need directly from the service providers for the phones, but that option was nixed when the state's objection was filed. Kawai says he can't get the records without a court order.

But prosecutor Julia Thomas asked the judge to proceed and schedule a preliminary hearing in order to keep the case moving. She acknowledged that it is the victim's right to a speedy trial as well, and the defense must only have all evidence before the defendant formally enters a plea. Although the prosecution does not object to turning over evidence it has, Thomas said she does not have the information requested by the defense, and said the defense can get the evidence on their own with a subpoena. KSL news video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Pratt is charged with 10 first-degree felony counts of forcible sodomy, seven counts of object rape and two counts of rape, and two second-degree felony counts of forcible sex abuse.

Questions about Michael Pratt's membership status in the LDS Church continue to surface on various comment boards. The fact that the LDS Church terminated Pratt as the seminary principal at Lone Peak High School has NO bearing upon his basic church membership. Neither the LDS Church nor Pratt have addressed his membership. The LDS Church is unlikely to convene a disciplinary council unless Pratt is either convicted, or voluntarily confesses. At such time, the LDS Church would likely convene a disciplinary council, and excommunication would be the most likely outcome. So for the time being, we can still assume that Michael Pratt remains a member of the LDS Church in good standing.

Former Lone Peak Seminary Principal Michael Pratt Gets Bail Changed To "Bondable"; Next Hearing Set For September 8th In American Fork

Former Lone Peak High School seminary principal Michael Pratt appeared in court on August 18th, 2009, and got the conditions of his bail changed so that he can bond out and pay back those who paid for his cash bail earlier. In addition, a new hearing date was set because of delays in evidence discovery. Media stories published by the Provo Daily Herald, the Deseret News, and KSL Channel 5.

All previous posts on this case available HERE; the most recent post will appear first.

Pratt's defense team sought to increase the bail amount from $20,000 cash-only to $30,000, but make it bondable. This way, Pratt could pay $3,000 cash and get the rest of the money refunded, so he can pay people back. In addition, one of Pratt's attorneys, Dusty Kawai, told the judge they still need to see cell-phone records and text messages and asked for a three-week continuance. Prosecutor Julia Thomas said she still awaits a response by various cell-phone providers to comply with subpoenas for the information, but that the records are expected by September. The judge agreed to the bail adjustment, and set a tentative date of September 8th for the next hearing. KSL news video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Pratt qualified for a court-appointed defense attorney because he lost his job after the allegations surfaced. He also supports a wife and three children and has no equity in his rental home.

To briefly recap the case, thirty-seven year old Michael Pratt, who is married with kids of his own, is charged with 10 first-degree felony counts of forcible sodomy, seven counts of object rape and two counts of rape, and two second-degree felony counts of forcible sex abuse. As spelled out in greater detail HERE, it began with texting between Pratt and the student, then Pratt began checking the student out of school, then allegedly took her to numerous locations around the Utah Valley to have sex. When this became public in July, the LDS Church promptly fired Pratt from his job as seminary principal. The victim herself spoke out at length about her experience in this July 26th Deseret News article.

While the LDS Church did fire Pratt from his seminary position, it appears they have not initiated any Church discipline against him to limit or strip him of his Church membership. According to a comment posted on KSL by Pat55 at 1:19 P.M: "Pratt is in my sister's ward. He is still attending church with his family. To my knowledge he has not been excommunicated, but that is quite the private matter". This distinction is quite proper; there would be no cause for the Church to try him for his membership unless he is convicted, or if he confesses to his priesthood chain of command (bishop or stake president).

Surprisingly very little discussion of this case in the organized LDS blogosphere. Only one LDS-friendly blog has reacted to my knowledge; Voice Of Deseret expresses concern that some of Pratt's former students and supporters may have become "cult followers". That's possibly because they issue statements like, "we'll always be there for him [Pratt]". That does sound a bit hopelessly romantic, and is a reminder as to why we punish crimes against kids more severely than crimes against adults. Teenagers can be more trusting - and more vulnerable - than adults.

Victim Of Former Lone Peak Seminary Principal Michael Pratt Speaks Out In Deseret News Article

In order to dispel defamatory rumours about her virtue, the alleged victim of former Lone Peak High School seminary principal Michael Pratt (pictured at left) allowed herself to be interviewed by the Deseret News. The resultant four-page story, too long to be posted on this blog, can be read HERE.

In summary, the girl traces the beginning back to the January 2009 time frame. It was at this time that Pratt began to noticeably pay more attention to her than to other students. Since his interaction with the girl was strictly platonic at this point, his increased interest triggered no alarms. But as a result of Pratt's attention, the girl began confiding in him about her concerns, her hopes, her fears and her dreams. And Pratt acted like a good listener.

The platonic friendship not only continued to grow, but the girl seemed to be benefiting from Pratt's counsel. Her parents noted positive changes in her, so they also had no reason to be suspicious of Pratt's role at that point. But by April 2009, the tiny hairs on the backs of the parents' necks began to stand up - they began to suspect there was more than met the eye.

What changed? Simple - the girl started obsessively referring to Pratt in her ordinary conversation. It was "Brother Pratt this", and "Brother Pratt that", and "Brother Pratt everything else" - almost in every sentence, it seemed like. And, being savvy parents who had been teenagers themselves, they suspected this was a sign that the relationship had transitioned from the platonic phase to the romantic phase, without it necessarily becoming sexual at that point. Most teenage girls who fall in "love" with a peer can't stop talking about him for five minutes. But the girl quickly brushed off suggestions that she might have a crush on Pratt.

Nevertheless, things quickly progressed to the worst. A few days later, Pratt confessed his love for the girl to her, telling her how special and unique she was. And of course, this inexperienced girl became absolutely overwhelmed by attention; after all, here was a relatively handsome, experienced man of the world, packing a temple recommend, implying that if she threw in with him, he could take her straight to the celestial kingdom and make her his goddess. The fact that Pratt was already married with children was completely lost upon this inexperienced and vulnerable Mormon girl; how could she resist such a sales pitch?

And so by May, Pratt began taking her out of school without any permission. The first time they went to Bridal Veil Falls, where Pratt told her about his fantasies involving the two of them. The two ended up in the boxcar near Vivian Park where kissing turned into a sexual encounter. But this was just the beginning. Even after school was out, Pratt would pick up the girl and take her to various places in Utah County for more sexual activity, including Pleasant Grove, American Fork, the warm springs in Goshen and a mine in Eureka. Although the girl suspected that what they were doing was wrong, Pratt made her believe that it would all work out.

The suspicions of the girl's parents continued to build, but they still lacked the smoking gun. However, in late May, when the girl went for a walk, her parents followed her and caught her getting into Pratt's car several blocks away. Her father immediately read Pratt the riot act, telling him that his daughter is "never, ever to be in your car," and demanding that communication with his daughter cease.

Unfortunately, that was not the end of the story. When the girl disappeared with friends all day and didn't answer calls or text messages, they began monitoring phone records. The parents allege the records show dozens of calls each week between their daughter's cell phone and the seminary building, or from Pratt's cell phone to their daughter's phone. And the last straw came when the girl's dad noticed a call to his daughter from an LDS stake center in Orem, where the dad said he confirmed Pratt had been attending an evening meeting. Pratt was a counselor in a singles ward bishopric in Orem, according to ward members. So the father said he called officials at the Church Educational System of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and voiced his concerns. "Something doesn't add up," he said he told them. "I don't have the hard evidence, but something doesn't add up." The Church investigated, and several days later, terminated Pratt's employment.

And shortly thereafter on July 9th, Pratt was arrested, and now faces 21 separate felony charges stemming from the alleged sexual relationship and abuse of this girl. They consist of 10 counts of forcible sodomy, seven counts of object rape and two counts of rape — all first-degree felonies. He has also been charged with two second-degree felonies of forcible sex abuse.

The girl's parents should not be second-guessed. They took all reasonable measures necessary to bring this case to light, short of chaining their daughter to an engine block. As a matter of fact, they probably intervened more than most parents would, perhaps intervening in time to prevent their daughter from getting pregnant out of wedlock. They are certainly not to blame in this incident.

This does not appear to be a repeat of the circumstances involving Salt Lake West High teacher Jose Fanjul. Fanjul's accuser was a trollop who flirted with many male teachers on campus and got another counselor put in jail. In contrast, this girl has credibility.

A number of Pratt's advocates think we should "pray" for him. If "praying" for him means praying that the truth come out, justice be served, and that he be treated fairly, no problem; that does not breach the presumption of innocence. But if people are praying that Pratt gets off the hook, that would be inappropriate. It is never appropriate to ask our Heavenly Father to help someone escape and evade justice. Justice without mercy may be tyranny, but mercy without justice is anarchy.

Former Lone Peak Seminary Leader Michael Pratt Socked With 21 Different Charges Relating To Sexual Abuse, Still Enters No Plea In Provo District Court

All previous posts on this case available HERE; the most recent post will appear first.

On Monday July 20th 2009, Michael Pratt, the former LDS seminary leader at Lone Peak High School in Highland, Utah, appeared in 4th District Court to be formally presented with 21 felony charges that stem from allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct with a 16-year-old student at the Lone Peak High School seminary program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Additional story published by the Salt Lake Tribune.

The charges were first raised during his previous court appearance on Friday July 17th, when Pratt appeared in 4th District Court in Provo. They consist of 10 counts of forcible sodomy, seven counts of object rape and two counts of rape — all first-degree felonies. He was also charged with two second-degree felonies of forcible sex abuse. He remains free on $20,000 bail which was granted during his first hearing on July 13th as reported by the Deseret News (Jul 13) and KSL Channel 5 (Jul 13); the other conditions of bail included turning over an external hard drive and his laptop computer issued to him by the LDS seminary to detectives, and agreeing not to go near his former seminary office or near a mine in Eureka where some of the alleged sexual abuse took place.

Conviction on all charges could result in life in prison.

Police arrested Pratt July 9th after they received information that he had allegedly been checking the girl out of school without her parents' permission and taking her to various locations for sexual encounters. These locations are all specified in my previous post. The alleged sexual abuse began May 8th and continued until June 25th. The investigation also revealed hundreds of text messages sent between the two, including some that were sexually explicit.

Pratt's only public reaction so far was at his very first court hearing on July 13th, when he said, "I am hopeful that the truth will be fully presented at the appropriate time," During the July 20th hearing, a number of supporters of Pratt showed up. Former students came to court to show their love and support, and said their lives have been changed by Pratt's teaching. "We weren't here to find out the facts," student Sierra Huddleston said. "We were here to support and that won't change."

In the comments section to the July 20th Deseret News story, Sierra Huddleston came under some fire for her seemingly-uncritical expression of support. So she posted a clarifying comment (typos left intact):

Sierra Huddlston | 11:57 a.m. July 20, 2009
I was there this morning- Let me restate what I said- I DO NOT support his actions and negative choices. that should be obvious. He has a long hard road ahead. However, He was my teacher this past sememster- and the man I knew still has the same heart. he taught truth and that doesnt change. I support him in fixing this, I support him with prayer and fasting and beleiving him. Its terrible, sad, and wrong, but I knew this man-HE CHANGED life for my brother and I. I would be in a very different place in life without him. Do not twist my words and have a little faith in a human man who made a mistake.

Pratt qualifies for a court-appointed defense attorney because he lost his job after the allegations surfaced. He also supports a wife and three children and has no equity in his rental home. He has not yet entered a plea. The case will now be transferred to Judge Christine Johnson in the American Fork Justice Court, where his next hearing is scheduled for August 18th at 8:30 A.M. He will probably enter a plea at that time.

Upon Pratt's initial arrest, the LDS Church immediately removed him from his position as seminary leader. However, it is unlikely they will take action against his Church membership until he either pleads guilty or is convicted, although they might pull his temple recommend. The LDS Church does not customarily publicize the results of disciplinary council hearings. While the circumstances do indeed look damning, the presumption of innocence remains in effect. But what I can't understand is why Pratt - or any other teacher - would take a kid out of school on his own authority in the first place. If Pratt is innocent, then he was incredibly naive.

LDS Church Promptly Terminates Highland, Utah Seminary Principal Michael Pratt After His Arrest For A Sexual Relationship With A 16-Year-Old Student

All previous posts on this case available HERE; the most recent post will appear first.

In the past, there may have been doubt as to how committed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was in rooting on child abuse and sex abuse within its ranks. Not any more. Upon learning that Lone Peak High School seminary principal Michael Pratt had been arrested on suspicion of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old female student, the Church promptly took action. Here is their statement:

"The Church condemns abuse of any kind and expects the highest moral and ethical standards of its seminary employees.

"The Church terminated Michael Pratt's employment as soon as allegations surfaced and immediately reported the matter to law enforcement.

"Our hearts go out to the victim and family members. Counseling and other resources have been offered to help the victim in the healing process."

The Church did not, and probably will not, publicly disclose whether or not Pratt's basic membership status in the Church has changed. Most likely it won't (although his temple recommend might be pulled) until he either confesses or is convicted in court. At that time, Pratt's stake leaders would likely convene a disciplinary council, out of which the penalties of disfellowshipment or excommunication will be levied. Excommunication is particularly nasty; an excommunicant is not eligible for reinstatement for a minimum of one year, and it may take an excommunicant as much as five years or more to work his way back. Reinstatement requires approval by Salt Lake. You do NOT want to get excommunicated. Read my September 2008 post on church discipline for more information and additional links.

The KSL Channel 5 news video embedded below provides the story:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Summary: Incorporates additional information from the Deseret News, the Provo Daily Herald, and the Salt Lake Tribune. Michael Pratt was a teacher and the principal of the LDS seminary at Lone Peak High School in Highland, Utah. Seminary consists of instruction in church doctrine, and students are allowed one hour of released time each day to attend. It was at seminary the Pratt, who is a husband and father, first became acquainted with the 16-year-old girl.

Authorities state that the relationship began with text messaging, which in itself became sexually explicit, then by the first part of May 2009, escalated into a sexual relationship. Many different types of sexual activities are believed to have taken place.

Pratt checked the girl out of school without her parents' knowledge at least three times and took her up Provo Canyon to Bridal Veil Falls, where he touched her breasts and genital area and kissed her. They were in a boxcar next to Vivian Park. But the actions grew to include more sex acts at various times and in different locations around the county, including a ravine next to the girl's home, in an unoccupied home in her neighborhood, back to the boxcar in Provo Canyon, in Rock Canyon, in a mine in Eureka and in Warm Springs near Goshen, where they were observed to be skinny-dipping.

Sgt. Matt Higley of the Utah Valley Special Victims Task Force said that the acts were consensual, meaning that there was no coercion used. However, under Utah law, a 16-year-old in this situation is not considered competent to give consent, which is why the word "forcible" appears in some of the charges outlined in the next paragraph. Unlike the so-called "victim" in the Jose Fanjul case, this girl does not have a record as a troubled teen. Pratt has no prior criminal record, and there is also no indication of other victims.

Pratt was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of aggravated kidnapping, unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old, aggravated forcible sex abuse, 10 counts of forcible sodomy, object rape, lewdness, burglary, criminal trespassing, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and 10 counts of enticing a minor. A judge set bail Friday at $20,000 cash only. Pratt is scheduled to be in 4th District Court at 8:30 A.M. on Monday July 13th.

The evidence against Michael Pratt appears quite damning on the surface, nonetheless we observe the presumption of innocence and express faith that the justice system will work successfully, as it still does in many cases. The Church reacted promptly and properly.