Man accusing Mormon missionary of 1960s sex abuse wants trial

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) The lawyer for a South Dakota man accusing a Mormon missionary of sexual abuse in the 1960s wants a jury and not a judge to decide the case.

Ferris Joseph filed the civil lawsuit in federal court in South Dakota against the Mormon church, claiming he was sexually abused by missionary Robert Lewis White when Joseph was 11 or 12 years old.

In a deposition transcript filed in court, White denies molesting Joseph or any other boy while serving in Flandreau (FLAN'-droo).

Joseph's lawyer says the case should proceed to trial and a judge should deny the church's request for a summary judgment because the statute of limitations has not expired.

The trial is scheduled to start February 25th in Sioux Falls.

(By AP Writer Carson Walker) (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-29-07 1605CST | save this article / add to your favorites list