Summary
Joseph Smith was the founder and first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the LDS church or Mormon church.
FLOODLIT’s purpose is to help people learn about instances of sex crimes allegedly perpetrated by Mormon church members, and about instances where Mormon officials allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct or failed to support sexual abuse victims.
Smith was never charged with a sex crime.
Smith was publicly accused during his life (1805-1844) of sexual misconduct, including adultery and illegal polygamy.
In May 1844, a Hancock County, Illinois grand jury indicted Smith for perjury, fornication and polygamy.
Smith died in June 1844.
Raise awareness in March 2025
Your support enables us to conduct research, publish case info, and make documents freely available.
Our relentless reporting honors survivors, assists researchers, and empowers those who protect the vulnerable.
Donate »Facts
Alleged coverup- Criminal: Never charged, Not convicted,
- Civil: No civil case,
- Positions: Apostle,
- During alleged crime: Apostle,
- When accused: Apostle,
- Alleged crime: 1800s, in Illinois, Missouri, Ohio,
- Crime scenes: Perpetrator's home,
- Victims: 10 or more victims, Multiple victims,
-
Born: 1805
Died: 1844 - AKA Joe Smith, brother Joseph
- Mission: unknown
- Locations: Illinois, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
Sources
- Zion high council and bishopric, Minutes, Far West, Caldwell Co., MO, 12 Apr. 1838 - The Joseph Smith Papers,
- Did Plural Marriages Include Sexual Relations? - Joseph Smith's Polygamy,
- Temple Lot Case - Archive.org,
- Mormon Stories Podcast 324-326: Grant Palmer discusses sexual allegations against Joseph Smith,
-
1. Zion high council and bishopric, Minutes, Far West, Caldwell Co., MO, 12 Apr. 1838 - The Joseph Smith Papers
-
2. Did Plural Marriages Include Sexual Relations? - Joseph Smith's Polygamy
-
3. Temple Lot Case - Archive.org
-
4. Mormon Stories Podcast 324-326: Grant Palmer discusses sexual allegations against Joseph Smith
Documents
Have documents, information or corrections? Add information
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.
Other documents
FLOODLIT does not have a copy of any other related documents. Please check back soon or contact us to request that we look for some.Videos
- Video title: Joseph Smith as a Sexual Predator - 2009-06-20
- Video description: presentation by Sandra Tanner