was a Mormon church member and scout leader in Idaho; accused of sexual abuse; a local Mormon bishop recommended him for a scout leader position, reportedly because "he feels he is completely rehabilitated"

Case report

12/09/88 – Idaho

LDS church member Mark A Swanson was placed on the BSA Files on December 9, 1988, but a request from LDS Bishop Matthews to register him in scouts was sent to BSA for approval.

A letter from Scott Johnson to Bishop Darwin Matthews in the file reads as follows:

“Dear Bishop Matthews; Based on the BSA Adult application form submitted for Mark A. Swanson, he is not eligible for a position in the Boy Scouts of America. Since you approved the Application and the Application was submitted to the Teton Peaks Council by your organization, I would prefer that you inform Mr. Swanson of this decision.”

Then a note on the Adult Application in the file reads, “Scott, Bishop Matthews is recommending this man for a scout leader position. He feels he is completely rehabilitated.”

Case facts

Case information sources

  1. Mark A Swanson - Perversion Files
    view source details | | LA Times

Case information source details

Browse the Mormon Sexual Abuse Database

FLOODLIT.org has a free public database of hundreds of reports about people who committed or allegedly committed sex crimes, including sexual abuse, while they were active Mormon church members. You can browse the entire database in all sorts of ways, including by LDS church position, number of victims, places where crimes took place, or criminal/civil case result.

View the Mormon Sexual Abuse Map

International map of locations where active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints perpetrated or allegedly perpetrated sexual abuse or other sex crimes, or where LDS leaders failed or allegedly failed to help abuse survivors.

 

Add information

Search the Mormon Sexual Abuse Database