founder of the LDS church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon church); accused during his life (1805-1844) of adulterous affairs with girls under the age of 18 and women; never charged with a sex crime

About Joseph Smith

Ties to LDS leaders/power: Was the first president and prophet of the LDS church

Joseph Smith Mormon Sex Crime Case 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 sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by Mormon church members.

We’re not aware whether Smith was ever formally charged with sexual abuse. He was, however, publicly accused during his lifetime of sex crimes, including polygamy.

Since the public conversation about Smith since the 1830s has frequently included accusations of sexual wrongdoing, we have decided to include him in our public database of accused Latter-day Saints.

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

Videos: Joseph Smith Mormon sex crime case

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

 

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