DECEIVED: An Investigative Memoir of the Zion Society Cult
NOW SHIPPING!!
“Deceived” is a memoir of Detective Mike King’s 1991 investigation and the ultimate take-down of a deviant polygamous cult called the Zion Society. For over a decade, gossip swirled around northern Utah that a secretive group of religious zealots were buying up homes to take over a developing neighborhood in an Ogden community. The homes were known far and wide for their immaculately landscaped yards. Rumors spread that a well-known landscaper in the city had proclaimed himself to be a prophet of God and was being commanded to start his own secret religion that promoted polygamy. It was also believed these extremists were stockpiling weapons as part of their doomsday beliefs. In reality, the leader was directing some of the most repugnant crimes against women and children ever seen in the state. The hidden atrocities of the cult may never have been discovered if not for the courage of one of its members. Thirty years later, victims reconnected with each other and with the lead investigator to address the shortcomings of the criminal justice system regarding child victims.
Customer Reviews
“This book has it all – intellectually scintillating deep dives into the investigation for the true crime buffs, relatable character portrayals of people who joined the cult looking for love and community, and heartwarming stories of hope and redemption after trauma. Mike is an expert author, having penned several books in his illustrious career, and this latest volume is one you won’t be able to put down. It is a book you’ll want to tell your friends about; a book that will leave a lasting impression with you long after you’ve finished it.
”
“Dear Reader,
The purpose of this forward is to introduce you to Mike King. I’ve known him for many years, at least long enough to become a close friend. He is an example of what law enforcement is truly about. He was involved in the solution of a great problem that took place in Ogden, Utah. I won’t try to tell you about the book as the story goes far beyond any description. I will say that the book contains intimate details of the solution to one of the most bizarre cases I’ve ever heard of. As a result of his research and absolute dedication to his profession, Mike has very effectively told this story. As I began to read it, I become aware that my friend is a great storyteller. As you read this book, the scripture to keep in mind is Mark 9:42 which says “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.”
Enjoy the read.”
“I can think of no more important book at this moment in our history than Profiling Evil: An Investigative Memoir of the Zion Society Cult. Mike King has made a superb and vitally important contribution by exposing the abuse of women and children in that heinous cult. And this still happens far too often in the multitude of harmful groups around the world. If you want to understand coercive influence and control, then read this book.
”
A little more about the book…
In 1991 a brave, young women stepped into the Weber County Attorney’s Office and admitted she had been part of a religious cult that was sexually abusing children. Burdened by guilt and expecting jail time, she willingly revealed everything she knew about the cult and its members. Her effort at redemption would ultimately lead to the rescue of 32 children who were being sexually assaulted every day. This was only the beginning of the story in what became the largest, most successfully prosecuted case of ritual sex abuse in the state of Utah, perhaps the nation.
Weeks later, following hundreds of hours of investigation, 70 police officers and social workers stormed the close-knit community with search and arrest warrants. Volumes of evidence was seized but the group’s leader avoided capture. Many of the children were taken into protective custody. Not only were legends about stockpiled weapons, pharmaceuticals and food storage confirmed but evidence of sexual instruction and abuse was discovered. Several days later the leader of the group would be captured and confess to the assaults. Within a few months, eleven more cult members would be indicted. In all, these predators committed more than 750 felony sexual assaults against the children. As I walked to my car on that final day in court, I thought, “I hope the children we are rescuing today are not the predators we are putting in jail tomorrow.”
Over the years, King followed many of the cult members as they moved from one polygamist group to another. One by one, the correctional system released each predator as their time was served. The self-proclaimed prophet would die in prison. Now, 30 years later I’m sharing the story of the people who led the cult and how they convinced others to follow them. Most importantly, I’m telling the remarkable story of some of the victims who rose above the horror and the extraordinary moment they came back together 29 years later.
I wrote this book after prompts from the victims in the case. Initially I refused to meet with them, but eventually realized that the story needed to be told.