Welcome to Mormon Stories, where we examine critical issues surrounding the intersection of faith, law, and justice—particularly within the Mormon church. In this episode, we take an in-depth look at LDS Church abuse in the Bussey case, a disturbing example of institutional failures in handling abuse allegations.
We explore how church policies shield perpetrators, focusing on mandatory reporting laws and the Mormon church’s directive for bishops to report abuse to a hotline rather than law enforcement. Through legal expertise, we break down the human trafficking statute, discussing how LDS Church abuse, coercion, and institutional cover-ups fit within its definition.
The case of Paydan Bussey unfolds, detailing how he groomed and abused victims while remaining a member in good standing within the church. Despite multiple allegations, convictions, and a second trial in Spain, the church continued to support and relocate him—a practice with disturbing parallels to institutional cover-ups in other religious organizations.
We analyze how the legal system interacts with religious institutions, from jury trials and consolidation of cases to the role of bishops and patriarchs in deciding whether abuse is reported. The discussion includes insights into ongoing state and federal cases, the potential for appeals, and the broader implications for LDS Church abuse victims in California and beyond.
Beyond legal battles, we examine the church’s history of protecting sex offenders, comparing its response to that of the Catholic Church. We discuss the impact of trauma on survivors, the power of litigation to improve laws, and how attorneys are pushing for systemic change in mandatory reporting and sentencing laws.
Finally, we ask: What must change within the Mormon church to prevent further harm? Experts share recommendations, highlighting the role of trauma-informed legal representation in holding institutions accountable.
This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in justice, survivor advocacy, and institutional accountability. Subscribe for more deep dives into critical issues at the crossroads of faith and law.
2 Responses
What an important episode! In the 1990s in Logan, a 15 year old abused five (known) children as a trusted teen in our neighborhood. Victim ages were 3 to 9. The boy was charged in juvenile court in two cases (only 2 cases were reported) and pleaded guilty. It seemed like he was excused by counselors and the courts because he was a good kid and active member with an Eagle Scout. He had to pay a few hundred dollars of restitution and have counseling. No known church penalty was given and he and two of the victims attended the same ward where he took part. Four of the five victims had serious results including drug use and suicide attempts in teen years and early twenties. He is on floodlit but was never on the sex offender website. As one parent put it, that darn Eagle Scout was his golden ticket out if trouble. Neighbors and church members with kids were never told about what happened, and parents of victims were asked/warned by church not to talk to neighbors about it. Thank you for this episode and the fine work you all have done and continue to do. You are rockstars and your work is so vital. Almost 20 years later we still feel the harm he caused.
Who can I contact to share information that supports the fact of SA going unreported within the church? Both on the local level and when reported to the church attorneys. (The bishops ‘treated’ the offender by interviewing them occasionally and the church’s legal team counseled the perpetrator and their family not to report to local authorities (child welfare, etc) The perp continued to be in leadership roles with youth and children for many years following the disclosure of the abuse. Although this case is not one that would be part of the lawsuit, I think it is relevant and needs to be added to the overall picture to help make important changes. Thank you for your important work.