https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith_and_the_criminal_justice_system

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, was subjected to approximately thirty criminal actions during his life. Another source reports that Smith was arrested at least 42 times, including in the states of New York, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois.

In 1844, Smith was killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois, while in jail awaiting trial on charges of inciting a riot for ordering the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor, a newspaper critical of Smith which accused him of practicing polygamy, and for treason against the State of Illinois for calling out the Nauvoo Legion contrary to the orders of the Governor of Illinois.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/27/nyregion/nxivm-cult-keith-raniere-sentenced.html

Keith Raniere promised a path to happiness, seducing wealthy people who felt they lacked a higher purpose in life. His company, Nxivm, offered self-improvement workshops that became popular in Hollywood and business circles.

But beneath the surface, Mr. Raniere was a puppet master controlling a cultlike criminal enterprise, prosecutors revealed at his trial. Some women in Nxivm were sexually abused by Mr. Raniere, and even branded with his initials in a secret ceremony.

On Tuesday, Mr. Raniere, 60, was sentenced to 120 years in prison for sex trafficking and other crimes, effectively a life sentence. The judge also ordered him to pay a $1.75 million fine.

The sentencing capped a remarkable downfall for a man who was once idolized by his followers, but has since been exposed as a fraudster who exploited Nxivm’s adherents for money, sex and power.

Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis of Federal District Court in Brooklyn determined the punishment after hearing hours of wrenching testimony from 15 victims, many of whom described how Mr. Raniere had left them traumatized and brainwashed from his pseudoscientific teachings.

Mr. Raniere’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said he would appeal the sentence. “I salute the people who came in and spoke,” he said.

The first to speak was a woman identified only as Camila, who in a trembling voice recalled that Mr. Raniere started sexually abusing her when she was 15 and he was 45. She had previously declined to cooperate with prosecutors on the advice of a lawyer who was recommended to her by Mr. Raniere’s counsel.

During their 12-year relationship, Camila said, Mr. Raniere expected her to be available for sex at all hours. He ordered her to weigh less than 100 pounds and directed her to get an abortion. She said she attempted suicide once.

“I want to move on, but he has damaged me in so many ways,” Camila said.

When he wanted to replace Camila, prosecutors have said, he directed his inner circle to find another “young virgin successor” for him.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/28/2020 10:11AM by anybody.

Smith got the death penalty

Unfortunately extrajudicial lynch mobs might be making a comeback. ;-\

Warren Jeffs spent his life including going to prison to be exactly like joe. If ten to life ends up life then he has a tie to Keith

Human trafficking was not a term we had in the 70's. After reading the Nauvoo Expositor this term sounds like it applies to Jo Smith. He prayed upon the weak and helpless to fulfill his desires. He was a scumbag.

If he were alive today he would be hunted down and put in prison.

praydude Wrote:
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> Human trafficking was not a term we had in the
> 70's.

I do remember the term "white slavery," which I haven't heard in at least a decade.

After reading the Nauvoo Expositor this
> term sounds like it applies to Jo Smith. He
> prayed upon the weak and helpless to fulfill his
> desires.

I would describe his behavior as the exploitation of girls and women which was common enough in his time and culture. With less effective media, only more exceptional cases (or predators) got public attention. JS was simply more adept, and using a religion of his own invention exacerbated the public outcry.

> He was a scumbag.

No argument. I can't help but wonder how many more Keith Renieres are out there? David Koresh, care to comment? EL-ron, anything to say? David Miscavige?
>
> If he were alive today he would be hunted down and
> put in prison.

Much depends on who's in power, whom you know, and what you know. Think of how lightly Jeffrey Epstein got off the first time around, until, at long (long!) last, a few of his victims finally came forward, FORCING the case upon the public--and the authorities. Without them--nada. The Lolita Express would still be flying high.

Joseph Smith was murdered by a lynch mob. It should never have gone down that way.

Joe Smith died of lead poisoning.