Details

Personal information

  • Peterson, Richard
  • Alias(es): n/a
  • Gender: Male

Case summary

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05/01/93 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

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LDS/Mormon church membership history

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LDS 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.

LDS church positions ever held by the accused:
LDS church positions held by the accused at the time of the alleged crime(s):
LDS church positions held by the accused at the time of being publicly accused:

Alleged crime(s)

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Alleged victim(s)

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  • Number of alleged victim(s) - note if approximate:
  • Average age of alleged victim(s) at time of alleged crime(s):

Arrest(s)

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Criminal charge(s)

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Criminal verdict(s)

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Criminal sentence

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Prison time

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Other court cases

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LDS church response(s)

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  • 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.

View all Mormon sexual abuse settlements

 

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