Mormon Sexual Abuse News

Former Mormon bishop, apostle’s biographer released from jail after allegedly sending explicit photos to and attempting to meet to sexually assault a person he thought was a 14-year-old girl. We got copies of 10 letters of support calling for his release. 7 mention the LDS church.

NewsBy Floodlit August 28, 2025 1 Comment

Last week, we here at Floodlit.org added former Mormon bishop Joseph Walker of Utah to our growing database of reports of sexual abuse in the Mormon church. Walker, 70, was the initial editor in 2008 of MormonTimes.com (see https://web.archive.org/web/20080225160640/http://mormontimes.com/contact.php), a publication of the church-owned Deseret News. In 2021, Deseret Book published a biography of then-apostle…

Former Mormon bishop, “traditional values” columnist charged with child sexual exploitation

NewsBy Jane August 24, 2025

Joseph Walker was a former Mormon bishop, stake presidency counselor and LDS Public Affairs employee in Utah; charged in 2025 with three third-degree felony counts related to child sexual exploitation; allegedly “engaged in several sexually explicit conversations within which he sought or attempted to seduce, lure, and entice [a 14-year-old girl] into engaging in multiple…

Mormon man accused of 41 CSAM-related felonies released after letters from church members

NewsBy Jane August 24, 2025

Richard Mallard was a Mormon church member in Orem, Utah; charged in July 2025 with 41 felony counts related to child sexual exploitation; in August 2025, was released on bond, despite initially being held without bail; several LDS church members sent the court letters of support on Mallard’s behalf prior to his detention hearing. Full…

Recording: Mormon Church Attorney Tells of Preventing a Bishop from Testifying

NewsBy Floodlit August 21, 2025

Utah judge: “This court is gonna do just exactly whatever Mr. McConkie says.” Listen to Kirton McConkie co-founder (a Mormon apostle’s brother) tell a story in 2017 of working to prevent a bishop from testifying in court case, possibly re: child sexual abuse. How long have Utah judges deferred to the Mormon church’s lawyers? Kirton…

How long have Utah judges deferred to the Mormon church’s lawyers?

Lawsuits, NewsBy Floodlit August 20, 2025

Utah judge: “This court is gonna do just exactly whatever Mr. McConkie says.” Listen to Kirton McConkie co-founder (a Mormon apostle’s brother) tell a story in 2017 of working to prevent a bishop from testifying in court case, possibly re: child sexual abuse. How long have Utah judges deferred to the Mormon church’s lawyers? Kirton…

400+ times Mormon officials allegedly sexually abused children or failed to report

NewsBy Floodlit August 19, 2025

Full list: https://floodlit.org/failure-to-report/ Floodlit.org, an independent organization reporting on sexual abuse in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon/LDS), has now surpassed 400 documented instances where bishops or branch/mission/stake presidents allegedly sexually abused children or failed to report child sexual abuse to law enforcement. A Crisis Uncovered This is *not* a comprehensive…

BREAKING: “There is no ‘sexual abuse’ file,” Mormon church risk manager declared in 2023 lawsuit

Breaking, NewsBy Floodlit August 14, 2025

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon church) has long positioned itself as a leader in handling abuse, with officials claiming its approach is the “gold standard” and that “no religious organization has done more.” But a startling discovery from a 2023 lawsuit challenges that narrative. A System…

Mormon church fighting to keep records secret in Oregon sex abuse case

NewsBy Floodlit August 3, 2025

Oregon doctor David Farley allegedly sexually abused over 170 women and children, including some while he was in Mormon ward and stake leadership. In an ongoing lawsuit, many said they met him through the church, which is fighting in court to keep its records on him secret. Case report: https://floodlit.org/a/a113/ OPB, July 31 – Subpoena fight brings…

Mormon sexual abuse news: Alleged child sexual abuser is former stake president, bishop

NewsBy Floodlit July 31, 2025 1 Comment

On July 9, 6-year-old Jessica (pseudonym) was riding her bike home from a friend’s house in West Jordan, Utah, when she saw former Mormon stake president, three-time bishop and twice-convicted sex offender Ronald Charles Jones, 88, sitting on his front porch. Yesterday we reported that KSL omitted the name of the Mormon church from an…

Mormon-owned KSL omits church’s name from news on suspected child sexual abuse

NewsBy Floodlit July 30, 2025

Today, KSL reported on the arrest of Ronald Charles Jones of West Jordan, Utah: https://www.ksl.com/article/51353482/elderly-west-jordan-man-arrested-accused-of-sexually-abusing-young-girl- The KSL article pulls information from a police probable cause affidavit, but doesn’t mention the name of the church of which Jones is a member – despite the affidavit itself stating he “is an influential member of his LDS ward…

Jay Toombs released from prison after admittedly molesting at least 53 children

NewsBy Floodlit July 30, 2025

On July 29, 2025, Jay Toombs was released from prison on parole, according to a person familiar with the case. Case report: https://floodlit.org/a/a360/ 2024 parole hearing: Toombs lives in Logan, Utah, according to the Utah state sex offender registry: https://www.icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=707328&AgencyID=54438 Toombs admitted to molesting at least 53 victims, the source said. Toombs was a younger…

Does the Mormon church consider child sexual abuse a “serious injury?”

Lawsuits, NewsBy Jane July 30, 2025

Yesterday, the Arizona Court of Appeals reinstated a sexual abuse lawsuit against the Mormon church, citing the church’s leadership handbook, which says prevention of “serious injury” is a justifiable reason for a bishop or stake president to “disclose confidential information without first seeking guidance.” Read the ruling: https://www.appeals2.az.gov/Decisions/CV20230293Memo.pdf From page 11 of the ruling: “Section…

Floodlit needs your help to keep our lights on (literally)

NewsBy Jane July 30, 2025 1 Comment

We want to thank everyone who has donated to Floodlit, or who has helped us in any way. If you’ve ever sent us case information, shared our website with a friend, sent us words of encouragement or done anything else to support Floodlit – thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We couldn’t have…

81 Mormon sex abuse cases added – 4,301 and counting

Breaking, NewsBy Jane July 28, 2025

81 Mormon sex abuse cases added to Floodlit database (4,301 and counting). Do you know any of the accused? In the past three days, Floodlit.org has published 81 reports of sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by LDS church members, and has now surpassed 4,300 total published reports. Thank you for your ongoing support as we approach…

Four Mormons arrested in Florida after alleged child sexual abuse

NewsBy Floodlit July 25, 2025

UPDATE Nov. 4, 2025: All criminal charges were dropped in this case. From the First Coast News on Nov. 2, 2025: “John Durrett, state attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida, explained in a notice that in several depositions in which Florida Department of Children and Families employees were interviewed, there was a series…

Check it out!! We’ve just added 150 more Mormon sex offenders to our database!

NewsBy Jane July 25, 2025

Check it out!! We’ve just added 150 more names to our database! https://floodlit.org/recently-updated We now have more than 4,220 case reports of Mormon church members accused of sex crimes. In our latest update, we have added at least five former LDS bishops and 10 former bishopric counselors. We are continuing to work hard and will…

Former Mormon missionary William James Purdy, 28, arrested on child sexual abuse charges

NewsBy Jane July 25, 2025

Former Mormon missionary William James Purdy, 28, arrested on child sexual abuse charges. He allegedly sexually abused children during and after his mission in Tonga in 2017. At least 14 victims identified so far. Case report: https://floodlit.org/a/e993/ William Purdy was a Mormon missionary in Tonga in 2017. He was originally from Utah. In July 2025,…

Two former LDS Social Services commissioners (stake presidents) allegedly failed to report child sexual abuse

NewsBy Floodlit July 21, 2025 2 Comments

Floodlit.org has learned that two former LDS Social Services commissioners (who were also stake presidents) allegedly failed to report child sexual abuse. We’re looking for your stories if you’ve had any interactions with them or with LDS Social/Family Services. Larry Whiting and Harold Brown each led LDS Social Services for the Mormon church – Whiting…

Utah admitted sexual predator could walk free, despite admitting guilt

NewsBy Floodlit July 15, 2025

Court docs: In the 1980s, Alan Bassett confessed child sexual abuse to his Mormon bishop, who told the stake president, who called Kirton McConkie “about what ought to be done.” Several parents + a victim said they met w/ bishop; he denied meeting them. Bassett, charged in 2024, could now walk free. Details: https://floodlit.org/a/a780/ Floodlit…

Mormon Sexual Abuse Database News, 1st half of 2025

Breaking, NewsBy Floodlit July 1, 2025

As 2025 reaches its mid-way point, Floodlit.org continues to report on sexual abuse in the Mormon church. Here is a quick summary of our work so far this year. A summary of Floodlit’s work so far in 2025: Published 77 case reports (now over 4,080 published) and updated hundreds more: https://floodlit.org/accused/ 11-part series of special…

Former Mormon stake president David McConkie sentenced to probation in sex abuse case

NewsBy Floodlit July 1, 2025 1 Comment

Details: https://floodlit.org/a/a720/ Former Mormon stake president and deputy district attorney, David McConkie, was sentenced today in Colorado to five years probation after a plea deal to avoid jail time for sexual abuse of a child. McConkie admitted child sexual abuse to an LDS bishop in 2008, but the bishop didn’t report to police. An abuse…

Jake Retzlaff BYU Sexual Assault Lawsuit Dismissed

NewsBy Floodlit June 30, 2025

We’ve updated our case report on Jake Retzlaff, former starting quarterback for the Brigham Young University football team. Today, a civil lawsuit against Retzlaff was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be filed again. Thanks to your donations and support, Floodlit has obtained copies of Retzlaff’s answer to the civil complaint, which he filed on…

Kip Crofts Mormon sexual abuse case update

NewsBy Floodlit June 29, 2025

Mormon sexual abuse news: Former Idaho high school football coach charged with sexual abuse of a teenager was a Mormon bishopric counselor twice from 2014 to 2019. Floodlit case report: https://floodlit.org/a/g082/ Dozens of LDS sex abuse cases involving teachers: https://floodlit.org/?s=Teacher&id=5740 Kip Erik Crofts, 59, was a high school football coach in Caldwell, Idaho for many…

In 1995, were Mormon perps grandfathered in?

FactsBy Jane June 27, 2025

Did the Mormon church “grandfather in” known sex offenders in 1995, when it launched its abuse “help line” and started placing confidential annotations on membership records for child abuse? In other words, did the church tell its members about the abusers it already knew about? What did the church do in 1995 to combat child…

Idaho judge rejects plea agreement for Mormon man

NewsBy Jane June 26, 2025

Updated case details on Brandon Rex Brown: https://floodlit.org/a/a479/

In 2001, the Mormon church abuse help line reportedly got 20,000 calls

UncategorizedBy Jane June 22, 2025

Details: https://floodlit.org/help-line/

BREAKING: 211 plaintiffs file new lawsuit against Provo, Utah Mormon OB/GYN David Broadbent

NewsBy Floodlit June 20, 2025

Case report: https://floodlit.org/a/a038/ Download: 2025 sexual abuse lawsuit v. Mormon OB/GYN David Broadbent FLOODLIT has covered the unfolding criminal and civil litigation against former Provo, Utah OB/GYN David Broadbent since we launched in 2022, about a year after a woman shared her experience as his patient during a December 2021 Mormon Stories podcast episode (When…

Four Zaugg men – three convicted sex offenders, one recently charged

NewsBy Floodlit June 19, 2025 1 Comment

Four Zaugg men – three convicted Utah sex offenders, one recently charged in Idaho. All raised Mormon. Two went on Mormon missions. All four added to our Mormon sexual abuse database yesterday and today. At least three are related to each other. Did you know any of them? Floodlit posted yesterday about Krew Zaugg, a…

LDS church member in Duluth, Minnesota sentenced to 30 years in prison for child sexual abuse

NewsBy Floodlit June 18, 2025

Case details on Jeffery Lee Niemi: https://floodlit.org/a/g069/

Former Mormon missionary charged with rape of a minor in Idaho

NewsBy Floodlit June 18, 2025

Case details on Krew Zaugg, 21, of Idaho Falls, Idaho: https://floodlit.org/a/g070/

For 26 years (1963-89), LDS-BSA top execs knew of “perversion files,” but allegedly did not tell LDS church

Breaking, Lawsuits, News, Special ReportsBy Floodlit June 17, 2025

Floodlit.org has learned that from 1963 to 1989 (26 straight years), five Mormon men who knew of the Boy Scout perversion files held the paid position of top liaison between BSA and LDS church. If an LDS official’s 2012 statement is true, none of them informed the church. Could the church have done more? This…

Uncovering the Mormon Church’s Knowledge of Child Sexual Abuse: The 1984 Lawsuit

Breaking, Lawsuits, News, Special ReportsBy Jane June 11, 2025

Yesterday, we mentioned the disturbing case of Richard Kenneth Ray, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church) who admitted to Arizona police in 1984 to molesting at least 33 children, three calves, and a dog over two decades. This article is part of a series of Floodlit special reports…

Findings re: Mormon official’s declaration on church knowledge of sexual abuse

Breaking, Lawsuits, News, Special ReportsBy Jane June 10, 2025

Floodlit.org has learned that in 2012, LDS church risk management director Paul Rytting declared under penalty of perjury, “the first lawsuit against the Church relating to sexual abuse was brought in 1989.” But we found two prior lawsuits (1986, 1988) directly contradicting his statement. Did he know? This article is part of a series of…

A Latter-day Saint sexual abuse survivor sent President Russell Nelson a letter asking for increased safeguards. Here is her letter.

NewsBy Floodlit June 3, 2025

We love to see courageous Latter Day Saints calling for safeguards in their church. This is what we at Floodlit hope for: safety, honesty, accountability and improvement. That is what this brave survivor is doing. May we all be this brave. -Jane Executive Director Floodlit.org Note: The original post by the abuse survivor was published…

Edwin Ellis Dyer

Floodlit.org has discovered another alleged coverup of child sexual abuse by Mormon leaders

NewsBy Floodlit June 2, 2025

Floodlit.org has discovered another alleged coverup of child sexual abuse by Mormon church leaders: https://floodlit.org/a/g063/ Over a 28-year period starting in the 1950s, Mormon church member Edwin Ellis Dyer molested up to 15 boys. During some of those years, Dyer was their Boy Scout leader. For some reason, Ed Dyer’s name does not appear in…

We just found $1,268,835.62 more in Mormon church child sex abuse costs

NewsBy Floodlit May 31, 2025

We (Floodlit.org) just discovered $1,268,835.62 more in Mormon church child sex abuse defense and settlement costs. Did you know Boy Scouts registration fees increased in the 1980s and 1990s to offset rising insurance premiums due in part to sexual abuse claims against the Mormon church? In 2003, the LDS church’s director of risk management, Paul…

Dr. David Farley Mormon sexual abuse case update

NewsBy Floodlit May 30, 2025

On May 28, an Oregon judge refused to compel former Mormon family physician David B. Farley to answer questions about his church involvement. More than 150 women and girls are suing the former doctor and stake high council member for alleged sexual abuse. Details: https://floodlit.org/a/a113/

Utah judge notes sex offender is “not yet a 75-year-old Mormon bishop”

NewsBy Floodlit May 29, 2025

Last week, a Utah judge replaced a child sexual exploiter’s prison sentence with 112 days in jail and 48 months probation, saying he was “not yet a 75-year-old Mormon bishop who is perpetrating on children and grandchildren.” FLOODLIT has found 30 ex-bishops convicted of CSA-related crimes in Utah. On May 20, 22-year-old Aidan Hoffman was…

BYU football player accused of sexual assault in lawsuit

UncategorizedBy Floodlit May 22, 2025

case report on Jake Retzlaff: https://floodlit.org/a/g062/ We’re aware he is Jewish, not Mormon. We’ve been asked multiple times to provide clarity in this case.

Former Mormon branch president faces new child sex abuse charges in Tasmania

NewsBy Jane May 19, 2025

Case update on Bill Harding: https://floodlit.org/a/a947/

Where are the letters? Alleged sex abuse coverup by Mormon First Presidency

Breaking, Lawsuits, Special ReportsBy Floodlit May 6, 2025

Did you know there is a current lawsuit accusing the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of aiding a sex abuse coverup? This case involves allegations of child sexual abuse in Santa Maria, California in the 1980s and 1990s. If you attended church there, please contact us. This article is…

My response to hate mail

OpinionBy Floodlit May 4, 2025 5 Comments

We received an anonymous message through our website today: “Floodlit is a group of nasty Anti-mormon people hell bent on trying to destroy the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, by taking those who have done unspeakable things, and smear them, and their families into the ground continually, stirring up contention, or trying…

FLOODLIT discovers three more Mormon sex abuse settlements, totaling over $2 million

Breaking, News, Special ReportsBy Floodlit May 1, 2025

FLOODLIT has learned of three more settlements the Mormon church paid after alleged sexual abuse of children. 1. $1.5 Million in 2019 in Riverside County, California (case RIC181995). An employee sexually abused a minor attending daycare on church property. Plaintiff Law firm: Estey & Bomberger 2. $500,000 in 2010 – location unknown. Law firm: Nye, Stirling,…

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BREAKING: Mormon church files appeal after losing civil suit against sex abuse insurers

Breaking, News, Special ReportsBy Floodlit April 29, 2025

Part of a series of Floodlit special reports on lawsuits alleging sexual abuse coverups by Mormon officials. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has filed an appeal after losing a lawsuit against insurance companies regarding more than $27 million in legal defense costs and $32 million in child sex abuse settlement payments to…

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BREAKING: Mormon Church Nears Massive Settlement of Over 100 Sexual Abuse Claims

Breaking, News, Special ReportsBy Floodlit April 16, 2025 1 Comment

Part of a series of Floodlit special reports on lawsuits alleging sexual abuse coverups by Mormon officials. FLOODLIT.org, an independent newsroom investigating sexual abuse in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has learned that the church is now on the verge of settling more than 100 claims of sexual abuse filed since August…

Former Colorado LDS stake president admits to attempted child sex assault

NewsBy Floodlit April 11, 2025

David McConkie, a former Mormon bishop and stake president in Colorado, has admitted to attempted sexual assault on a child as part of a proposed plea deal. In 2023, McConkie was charged with sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. He confessed to a church leader in 2008, according to…

Mormon church loses civil suit against insurers over sexual abuse settlements

Breaking, News, Special ReportsBy Floodlit April 11, 2025 2 Comments

Part of a series of Floodlit special reports on lawsuits alleging sexual abuse coverups by Mormon officials. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has lost a civil lawsuit against insurance companies over settlement payments it made to six West Virginia families in 2018 regarding allegations that Mormon officials hid child sexual abuse allegations…

Wave of around 100 Mormon sex abuse lawsuits continues in California

Breaking, News, Special ReportsBy Floodlit April 8, 2025

Part of a series of Floodlit special reports on lawsuits alleging sexual abuse coverups by Mormon officials. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints won a key battle last week against roughly 100 plaintiffs who say it covered up their sexual abuse. Most were children at the time of the alleged abuse. This article…

Utah Mormon sex abuse cases – firefighters, judges, police

NewsBy Floodlit April 3, 2025

FLOODLIT.org is sharing details about Gary Joseph Hawkins (Joe Hawkins), a 44-year-old Aurora, Utah firefighter charged in 2024 with child sexual exploitation, including possessing and distributing child sex abuse material. (pictured above: former Mormon bishop and Utah police officer David Moss) We’re also seeking info: Does anyone know about Hawkins’s religious affiliation or possible Mormon…

Email from Paul Rytting, Mormon church risk management director, to insurers regarding a sexual abuse case, Mar. 9, 2018.

Timeline: LDS church sued insurers to collect $90 million, after settling 5-year-long child sex abuse suit

Breaking, News, Special ReportsBy Floodlit April 2, 2025

FLOODLIT.org, an independent newsroom investigating sexual abuse in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, broke the story last week that the church spent nearly $60 million over five years to defend and settle a lawsuit filed in 2013 by six West Virginia families who said church leaders covered up the abuse of their…

$59 million, five years: what Mormon officials spent to stop a sex abuse lawsuit

Breaking, News, Special ReportsBy Floodlit March 25, 2025

FLOODLIT.org, an independent newsroom investigating sexual abuse in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has learned that the church spent nearly $60 million over five years to defend and settle a 2013 West Virginia lawsuit by child sexual abuse victims. The church, widely known as the Mormon church, racked up $27 million in…

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Former Mormon church prison ministry head charged with child sex abuse

NewsBy Floodlit March 21, 2025

Doug Richens (Douglas G Richens) was arrested this week and charged with several crimes related to sexual abuse of children. Details at his case report: Doug Richens Mormon sex abuse case

Mormon apostle’s son, now Utah judge, helped man avoid child sex abuse charges in 1989

NewsBy Floodlit March 13, 2025

Report: https://floodlit.org/a/a780/ Download the court document: https://floodlit.org/bassett-2024-motion-dismiss/ In June 2024, Mormon church member and former air traffic controller Alan Bassett was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing several children between 1977 and 1989 in Fruit Heights, Utah. Investigators said the victims ranged in age at the time between 5 and 10 years old. Bassett reportedly told…

Mormon church downplays wave of around 100 sex abuse lawsuits in California

NewsBy Floodlit March 4, 2025

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints responded to a Mar. 2 San Diego Union-Tribune article on at least 91 recently filed civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse perpetration or coverup by California church officials. The church, commonly known as the LDS or Mormon church, said in response to the suits, “Each of these specific…

New Mormon sexual abuse case: Utah junior high teacher arrested for sexually abusing young student

NewsBy Jane February 27, 2025

Keaton Tanner was arrested. Case report

FLOODLIT.org Offers Free Access to Court Documents in Mormon Sex Abuse Cases

NewsBy Jane February 26, 2025

FLOODLIT.org has launched an initiative to provide free access to court documents tied to sex crimes allegedly committed by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon/LDS) and claims of mishandling by church officials. We’ve tracked thousands of accused individuals in such cases. Recently, nearly 100 lawsuits hit the Mormon church in…

Mormon apostle’s grandson (a former stake president) still facing trial for child sexual abuse this summer, per a Colorado court hearing today

NewsBy Floodlit February 12, 2025

David McConkie case report: https://floodlit.org/a/a720/

BREAKING: New lawsuit against Mormon church says temple worker sexually assaulted a man during anointing ritual

Breaking, NewsBy Floodlit February 7, 2025 1 Comment

In a lawsuit filed Jan. 27 against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a man says he was sexually assaulted by a church volunteer during an anointing ceremony at the Los Angeles California Temple in 1984. The case (2:25-cv-00703-RGK-E) was filed in the Central California District Court. FLOODLIT has obtained a copy of…

2024 Mormon Sexual Abuse Timeline of Events

FactsBy Floodlit December 29, 2024 2 Comments

Adding to our Timeline page: January 2024 Former LDS bishopric counselor Cortney Andrew is sentenced in Utah to 60 days in jail with work release. The victim, a teen girl, told detectives she began texting with him to receive counseling. His texts then turned inappropriate and sexually graphic. Tim Ballard, anti-trafficking advocate, faces four new…

Mormon church references removed from news article on LDS temple prep teacher accused of attempted child sexual abuse

NewsBy Floodlit December 13, 2024

Today, KUTV altered a news headline and article text to remove Mormon church references 3 hours after reporting on an LDS youth temple prep instructor and mission leader charged with multiple felonies stemming from an undercover police sting operation. He allegedly attempted to meet a 13-year-old for sexual assault. The accused, Paul Spencer, was a…

67 Latter-day Saint bishops convicted of sex crimes since 1990: Infographic

FactsBy Floodlit November 15, 2024

This infographic shows facts about 67 bishops of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have been convicted of sex crimes, including child sexual abuse, since 1990. More information: https://floodlit.org/lpe/ever-bishop/criminal-result/criminal-convicted/ Help us identify more: https://floodlit.org/donate/

Mormon sexual abuse cases indexing project launches at FLOODLIT.org

NewsBy Floodlit November 10, 2024

FLOODLIT.org is announcing the launch of a new volunteer-driven project to locate, compile and index information about instances of sexual abuse or other sex crimes allegedly perpetrated by leaders or active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS/Mormon Church). We recently surpassed 4,000 published case reports, and we need help adding…

Become a FLOODLIT.org Volunteer Researcher

NewsBy Floodlit October 19, 2024

We need help compiling information from court documents and news articles. If you would like to help, please contact us right away. Thank you so much. It’s time.

BREAKING: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faces 91 new child sexual abuse lawsuits in California

Breaking, Lawsuits, NewsBy Jane October 12, 2024 1 Comment

BREAKING Oct. 12, 2024 – FLOODLIT.org has learned of a new wave of 91 child sex abuse lawsuits filed against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California. Starting on Aug. 26, the Slater Slater Schulman LLP law firm filed 91 civil suits in 26 California counties, each on behalf of a different…

1,000 Mormon Sexual Abuse and Sex Crime Cases – and Counting

NewsBy Floodlit September 8, 2024

We just reached a significant milestone: 1,000 published case reports. We will continue to shine a light!

Mormon sexual abuse case news: lawsuit says LDS church leaders failed to report to stop child sex abuse

NewsBy Floodlit July 11, 2024

We’ve updated the Craig Harward case report with details from a lawsuit filed in California this week against the Mormon church and Harward. The plaintiff claimed that Harward repeatedly took her out of Sunday school classes and molested her in other rooms of their LDS church building between 2000 and 2001, when she was 12…

LDS Sexual Abuse Database UPDATE: 803 case reports, 530+ convicted sex offenders, 145+ former LDS missionaries, nearly 100 bishops, 150+ Scout/youth/Primary leaders, 18 former mission/stake presidents, 41 cases of alleged SA inside Mormon church buildings.

NewsBy Floodlit July 4, 2024

Please let us know what you think: https://floodlit.org/accused/ We aim to be the most comprehensive, useful resource we possibly can to help raise awareness about sexual abuse in the LDS church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). If you’d like to report a sex crime by a person who was an active LDS church…

David Broadbent has been charged with forcible sexual abuse

NewsBy Floodlit June 27, 2024

Nearly 300 victims have come forward, but he’s not been charged … until now. Case report: https://floodlit.org/a/a038/

She can’t quiet the memory of a childhood robbed from her.

Messages to SurvivorsBy Floodlit May 29, 2024

In a Kansas case we reported on today, the abuser was a Mormon church member who allegedly preyed on girls for decades. He accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, so that prosecutors would dismiss counts of rape and sodomy. The victim’s mother said during…

Mormon Sex Abuse Case NEWS: Blackfoot, Idaho “avid church-goer” sentenced to 2 to 20 years in prison

NewsBy Floodlit March 28, 2024

Blackfoot, Idaho “avid church-goer” Eric Jones was sentenced on Mar. 26 to two to 20 years in prison after being found guilty by a jury of felony battery with intent to commit lewd conduct with a minor. He reportedly said he’d “just given into his urges” by touching a toddler. He admitted his crime to…

Mitch McKee arrested: new LDS sex abuse case report

NewsBy Floodlit March 22, 2024

Case details: https://floodlit.org/a/a678/

Now over 100 Mormon sexual abuse coverup cases listed

UncategorizedBy Floodlit March 13, 2024

See: https://floodlit.org/failure-to-report/

41+ Mormon sexual abuse cases currently ongoing in criminal courts

Breaking, NewsBy Floodlit February 20, 2024

This list includes 6 former bishops, 2 stake presidents (+2 SP counselors), 1 branch president, 4 primary/youth leaders, 3 attorneys, 3 politicians, 1 police officer, 1 hospital CIO, & the man who inspired “Sound of Freedom” movie. Who are we missing? Complete list Rexburg, Idaho LDS church member accused of breaking and entering women’s apartments…

Ken Richens, former hospital CIO in Utah, pleaded guilty to sex crimes

UncategorizedBy Floodlit February 9, 2024

Details: Kenneth Merlin Richens

Updated homepage

UncategorizedBy Floodlit February 5, 2024

More reports coming soon.

Updating our database

UncategorizedBy Floodlit January 21, 2024 2 Comments

Going through over 100 case reports and updating details and source information.

Report Failure to Help Sex Abuse Victims by Mormon Leaders and Active LDS Members

NewsBy Floodlit January 10, 2024

We’ve added a new database of instances where Mormon church members failed or allegedly failed to help sex abuse victims. Failure Database Report a Failure

Mormon Sexual Abuse in the News: A 2023 Timeline

NewsBy Floodlit December 12, 2023

We’ve added 2023 events to our timeline page.

Bob Stahn Sentencing Date: Dec 21, 2023

UncategorizedBy Floodlit December 5, 2023

Details: https://floodlit.org/a/a608/

Breaking news: Mormon church offered $300,000 to silence sex abuse victim: AP

NewsBy Floodlit December 4, 2023

Case report: https://floodlit.org/a/a866/ The AP’s Mike Rezendes has a new scathing report about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an apparent sexual abuse coverup. The Mormon church offered $300,000 to a child sex abuse victim in exchange for her agreement not to use her story as the basis of a civil lawsuit…

Another Mormon bishop who was a sexual abuser: Eddie Padilla of New Mexico

NewsBy Floodlit November 17, 2023

Case report: https://floodlit.org/a/a852/

Scott Owen, Mormon former bishop/therapist, arrested in Utah – 2025 update: sentenced to prison

NewsBy Floodlit November 9, 2023

If you’re here from Reddit on Oct. 20, 2025, please say hello. We love and appreciate you! Scott Owen (1959 – ) was a Mormon bishop (twice), stake presidency counselor and therapist in Provo, Utah. Owen was accused by at least seven former patients of sexually abusing them during sessions, and by a relative (alleged…

Newly added Mormon sexual abuse case: Bryant Litchfield of Alberta, Canada

NewsBy Floodlit October 31, 2023

Bryant Litchfield case report: https://floodlit.org/a/a825/

1000 Mormon sex abuse cases by end 2023: Our publishing goal

NewsBy Floodlit October 19, 2023

We need to get about 450 more cases listed in order to reach our goal. We’ve got them all in “pending” status while we review details. If you’d like to help, please contact us.

Updated Scott Owen and Tim Ballard case profiles

NewsBy Floodlit October 12, 2023

Scott Dale Owen Timothy Blain Ballard

Mormon Sexual Abuse Podcast: Raise Awareness – 500+ Cases, 36 Hours!

NewsBy Floodlit October 2, 2023

Watch or listen to this 36-hour MARATHON podcast hosted by Maven, with volunteers from around the world reading cases from the FLOODLIT.org database live on air!

LDS Sex Abuse Report: David McConkie, former stake president

NewsBy Floodlit September 17, 2023 1 Comment

Case details Case report video on TikTok

Mormon Sex Abuse Cases: Weekly Report, September 1, 2023

Weekly ReportsBy Floodlit September 1, 2023

546 Mormon sex abuse cases. 15 new this week. FLOODLIT weekly report September 1, 2023. Kenny Parcell, president of the National Association of Realtors and former bishop’s counselor, resigned after sexual harassment accusations. Nearly 300 women have accused LDS doctor David Broadbent of physical or sexual abuse during office visits. No criminal charges yet. New…

Mormon Sex Abuse Cases Weekly Report: August 25, 2023

Weekly ReportsBy Floodlit August 25, 2023

Details: FLOODLIT Reports: Facts and Insights About Sexual Abuse in the Mormon Church LDS sexual abuse weekly report August 25, 2023. New abuse case developments this past week: A Mormon convicted for child pornography use said he was trying to help Operation Underground Railroad. Older abuse cases we’ve just added: A Utah temple…

Mormon sex abuse cases: weekly report for 2023-08-18

Weekly ReportsBy Floodlit August 20, 2023

It’s live! https://floodlit.org/reports/ 524 documented cases so far. Idaho LDS man arrested for alleged sexual contact with a toddler. Salt Lake Tribune piece accused a former Mormon bishop in Texas of sex abuse of 4 boys in 1980s. FAIR 2023 presentation defended LDS bishops keeping sexual abuse secret.

LDS Sexual Abuse Cases: Weekly Report 2023-08-11

Weekly ReportsBy Floodlit August 12, 2023 1 Comment

Floodlit.org weekly report on Mormon church sexual abuse cases. As of August 11, 2023, we’ve published 520 cases of alleged or confirmed sex abuse by LDS members, with 200 more under review. The Mormon church sued its insurance providers demanding they pay its costs in a CSA lawsuit settlement. Roselle Stevenson, age 70, was arrested…

Updated LDS sex abuse cases: David Hamblin and Roselle Stevenson (ex-spouses) of Utah

NewsBy Floodlit August 10, 2023

David Lee Hamblin case details Roselle Anderson Stevenson case details (formerly Roselle Hamblin) Ritualistic sex abuse cases involving LDS church members

Mormon sex abuse reports: weekly episode 1 coming August 11

UncategorizedBy Floodlit August 8, 2023

COMING THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11: our weekly report about new developments in LDS sex abuse cases.

Scott Owen case details updated

NewsBy Floodlit August 3, 2023

Details: https://floodlit.org/a/a272/

HELP NEEDED for Sexual Abuse Victims of LDS perpetrators: Lawyers, victim advocates, therapists, etc.

UncategorizedBy Floodlit August 1, 2023

Help Wanted for Sexual Abuse Victims of LDS perpetrators: Lawyers, victim advocates, therapists, etc. We are trying to connect SA survivors with qualified help. Please contact us at https://floodlit.org/contact/ if you or someone you know can help sex abuse victims who were abused by LDS leaders/members. As we’ve added case information at floodlit, we’ve talked…

Setting up a research team for LDS sex abuse cases

UncategorizedBy Floodlit July 27, 2023

If you’d like to help us research abuse cases, contact us.

LDS sex abuse cases: Catching up on a backlog

UncategorizedBy Floodlit July 10, 2023

We have dozens – actually well over a hundred – Mormon sexual abuse cases we’re reviewing. Thank you for your patience.

Several newly updated cases, including recent sentencings

NewsBy Floodlit June 27, 2023

Check it out: https://floodlit.org/recently-updated/ Examples: Michael Clay Wade Schvaneveldt Michael Lister

LDS Sex Abuse Case Update: Judge Issues Warrant for Arrest of Former Sunday School Teacher and Utah Valley Symphony Director

NewsBy Floodlit June 17, 2023

Details: https://floodlit.org/a/a352/

Updated case details: Michael Clay of Utah (former BYU professor)

NewsBy Floodlit May 21, 2023

Details: https://floodlit.org/a/a068/