Case summary
Add info | Back to top05/01/70 Oregon
LDS Michael Simms ” A former Woodburn resident has alleged he was sexually abused by
a local music teacher at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Woodburn.
The alleged victim, who has called himself David Doe, is now 46 years old. He says the
abuse took place at a Mormon church in Woodburn, between the ages of 11 and 13.
He claims Michael Simms, a Mormon church organist and music teacher, abused him about
1 00 times between 1 974 and 1 976. Simms was in his early 20s at the time. Doe is now
suing Simms, the LDS church and a former therapist, for up to $4.25 million on claims of
sexual abuse of a child, intentional infliction of emotional distress and two forms of
negligence (failure to protect and failure to report). The negligence claims stem from
allegations that Doe’s mother approached a then-Stake President (a former LDS bishop) in
1975, and told him about the abuse. According to Doe, the LDS defendants failed to
investigate the allegations, remove Simms from his position, report the abuse to law
enforcement, or take measures to prevent continuation of the abuse.”
SIMMS-Michael Simms.pdf
Mormon church sued over sex abuse allegations
The alleged incidents took place back in the 1970s at a Woodburn LDS church Woodburn
Independent, Oregon/December 15, 2009 By Rachel Cavanaugh
http://www.culteducation.com/aroup/1057-the-mormon-church/14281-mormon-church-
suedover-sex-abuse-alleaations.html
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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.
