Joseph Smith (1805 – 1844) was the founder of the LDS church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon church); 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; died in June 1844.

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 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.

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Sources

  1. Zion high council and bishopric, Minutes, Far West, Caldwell Co., MO, 12 Apr. 1838 - The Joseph Smith Papers, Joseph Smith Papers, September 21, 2023.
  2. Did Plural Marriages Include Sexual Relations? - Joseph Smith's Polygamy, Joseph Smiths Polygamy, September 21, 2023.
  3. Temple Lot Case - Archive.org, Archive, April 1, 2015.
  4. Mormon Stories Podcast 324-326: Grant Palmer discusses sexual allegations against Joseph Smith, Mormon Stories, February 26, 2012.

  • 1. Zion high council and bishopric, Minutes, Far West, Caldwell Co., MO, 12 Apr. 1838 - The Joseph Smith Papers

    • 20230921
    • News article
    • Joseph Smith Papers

  • 2. Did Plural Marriages Include Sexual Relations? - Joseph Smith's Polygamy

    • 20230921
    • News article
    • Joseph Smiths Polygamy

  • 3. Temple Lot Case - Archive.org

    • 20150401
    • News article
    • Archive

  • 4. Mormon Stories Podcast 324-326: Grant Palmer discusses sexual allegations against Joseph Smith

    • 20120226
    • News article
    • Mormon Stories

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Timeline

  • 1805
    Born

Videos

    • Video title: Joseph Smith as a Sexual Predator - 2009-06-20
    • Video description: presentation by Sandra Tanner

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