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HIGHLAND -- The former LDS seminary principal accused of having a sexual relationship with a student was back in court Tuesday. A judge ruled Michael Pratt's trial on sex abuse charges will go on as planned in April.
Pratt's defense argued it needs more time to prepare for the trial. His attorneys said they have many more witnesses to interview, but an emotional plea from the father of Pratt's accuser helped convince the judge to keep the trial on schedule.
The girl was 16 years old at the time of the alleged abuse, and her father told the judge he believes the defense wants to postpone the trial until after she turns 18 years old this summer. That wouldn't change the facts, but the family fears it could influence the jury to see her as less of a victim.
Pratt was arrested in July 2009 after the girl was confronted by police about the relationship, which she has already testified turned sexual on several occasions. At the time, Pratt was the principal of the LDS seminary next to Lone Peak High School.
The girl's father told the judge she is still suffering emotionally, has lost out on her senior year of high school, and won't be able to find closure until the case is over.
"The family felt strongly that the trial needed to go forward to help give closure to the eviction this case, and I didn't see any reason other than the standard workload we all have to prevent the trial from going forward when it is scheduled," said prosecutor Julia Thomas.
Defense attorneys are also planning on asking the judge for a change of venue for the trial, or expanding the jury pool. They argue too many people are aware of the case, or know someone who had Michael Pratt as a teacher, and it could prevent him from having a fair trial.
They are also trying to prevent statements made by Pratt's wife from being used during the trial. The judge will hear arguments on those motions next month.
Pratt is scheduled for a two week trial, beginning April 12.
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com
