Summary

Gardner was an LDS bishop in Oklahoma in the 1950s or 1960s. After his death, he was accused of sexual abuse by a man who reported to the Mormon Alliance that the abuse had taken place in the bishop’s office in an LDS chapel, when he was about 15-16 years old. He also said that Gardner sexually abused him at his (the victim’s) home.
Gardner’s older sister was married to James Cullimore, who later became an LDS mission president, general authority and assistant to the apostles.
At least three other boys said Gardner sexually fondled them, according to a case report by the Mormon Alliance.
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Alleged coverup
- Criminal: Never charged, Not convicted,
- Civil: No civil case,
- Positions: Bishop, Stake high council,
- During alleged crime: Bishop,
- Crime scenes: Bishop's office, LDS building,
- Victims: 4 victims, Multiple victims,
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Born: 1932
Died: 1968 - AKA Sam Gardner, William Howard Mercer
- Mission: 1951-1953 United States Central States
- Locations: Oklahoma,
Sources
Documents
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Criminal case documents
We believe this person was never criminally charged, so no related criminal case documents exist. If you have information that suggests otherwise, please contact us.
Civil case documents
We do not know of any related civil cases, so no related civil case documents exist. If you have information that suggests otherwise, please contact us.