Three children accused Utah legislator Merrill F. Nelson, law firm Kirton McConkie, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of covering up their father’s sexual abuse. Despite his confession in 2010, the church’s advice to not report allowed the abuse to continue for years. Legal arguments focus on the misuse of clergy-penitent privilege and ethical responsibilities under Arizona law.
- The lawsuit involves Utah Rep. Merrill F. Nelson and law firm Kirton McConkie as defendants for their role in a cover-up.
- Paul Adams confessed his crime to a bishop who was advised by church lawyers not to report it.
- The issue revolves around legal interpretations of “immediately” reporting child abuse as mandated by Arizona law.
- Calls made regarding serious abuse cases within the church are allegedly destroyed daily and protected under attorney-client privilege.
