An April trial has been set for former Lone Peak High School LDS seminary principal Michael Jay Pratt, who is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old female student earlier this year.
Pratt, 37, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 15 felonies: one count of rape, eight counts of forcible sodomy and five counts of object rape, all first-degree felonies, and one count of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse.
Fourth District Judge Christine Johnson scheduled Pratt's trial for April 12.
During an October preliminary hearing, the alleged victim, now 17, testified that her relationship with "Brother Pratt" started with chats about religion, school and "life in general." But on May 1, Pratt, 37, professed his love for the girl, sparking a two-month sexual relationship the girl believed was a prelude to marriage, even though Pratt had a wife and three children.
Pratt was arrested July 9 after the Utah County Sheriff's Office was contacted by the state Division of Child and Family Services, which had received a tip about Pratt.
The girl testified about more than 30 sex acts, mostly fondling and oral sex. But on three occasions, she said, Pratt unsuccessfully attempted sexual intercourse.
She said the encounters occurred up Provo Canyon, on the roof of the seminary building, in a ravine near her Highland home, in an empty home, at a hot springs near Goshen and an abandoned mine near Eureka.
The girl was able to precisely recall when many events occurred because she kept a diary of sorts on her cell phone. Police say evidence, including statements by people who saw Pratt and the girl together, corroborate aspects of her testimony.
