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1 former Mormon apostles publicly accused and/or convicted of sexual abuse or other sex crimes during their lifetimes
  • FLOODLIT.org Mormon sex abuse case #329: Joseph Smith

    • Born in 1805.
    • Died in 1844.
    • Also known as Joe Smith, brother Joseph.
    • Joseph Smith 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.
    • Connection to Mormon leaders: Was the first president and prophet of the LDS church.
    • Worked in the LDS church as a Apostle, .
    • Was a Apostle, at the time of alleged or confirmed criminal activity.
    • 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.

    • Latest update: 1844-06-27: died in jail in Carthage, Illinois.
    • More details at FLOODLIT.org/a329