Case summary
Add info | Back to top05/01/93 Mesa, Arizona
LDS Richard Peterson, Although attending counseling with his bishop, Steven Smith, he
sexually abused a five year old.Verbatim from Lisa Davis’ “Sins of the Temple” Phoenix New
Times
“Richard Peterson of Mesa, Arizona, was preparing to serve a mission when he was
arrested for fondling a five-year-old. According to a court-ordered psychological evaluation,
Peterson had spent the previous year counseling with his bishop, Steven Smith, over his
sexuality, about which he felt extremely guilty but about which he was simultaneously
obsessed. He watched an erotic movie, then, “frustrated and curious, chastised by his
bishop and church because of [anl indiscretion with his girlfriend, forbidden to masturbate,
he unfortunately turned to an innocent five-year-old girl.” The girl’s family received such “a
barrage of abuse” that they have moved twice and still use an unlisted telephone number.”
PETERSON-Richard Peterson.pdf
Lisa Davis “Sins of the Temple” December 22- 28 1994
Phoenix New Times
http://www.childpro.ora/
https://drive.aooale.eom/file/d/OB E9N KN9xzxbWNadnVldDE1 LUE/edit
Support FLOODLIT.org
Donate to help FLOODLIT cover our research expenses, including obtaining court records and police documents.
LDS/Mormon church membership history
Add info | Back to topLDS mission information
The accused did not serve a full-time LDS mission.
LDS temple marriage information
FLOODLIT is not aware whether the accused was married in a Mormon temple.
Alleged victim(s)
Add info | Back to top- Number of alleged victim(s) - note if approximate:
- Average age of alleged victim(s) at time of alleged crime(s):
LDS church response(s)
Add info | Back to top- Alleged failure to report by local LDS leaders? no
- Alleged misconduct by local LDS leaders? no
- Alleged misconduct by global LDS leaders? no
FLOODLIT is not aware whether the Mormon church paid any settlement amounts related to this case.
