Porn was part of Steve Powell divorce
The father-in-law of a missing Utah woman was once accused of inappropriately discussing sex with children and keeping pornography in his home against the wishes of his wife, according to court documents.
A 1992 divorce case reviewed by the Associated Press shows Steve Powell’s ex-wife accusing him of damaging his children’s respect for marriage. Powell was charged this month with child pornography and voyeurism after authorities investigating the disappearance of Susan Powell searched his home in Puyallup, Wash.
Susan Powell’s husband, Josh, has been named a person of interest in the case.
In the court documents, Terri Powell wrote that Steve Powell talked of teaching his children about birth control methods when they were as young as 9. Terri’s sister, Becky Mulcahy, wrote in the documents that Steve Powell told her that he had shown his youngest children books about sexual intercourse when they were 6 and 8 years old.
Jennifer Graves, Josh Powell’s sister, said in an interview with the Associated Press that she broke off ties with her father in part because of his problems with sex and pornography. She recalled going on a business trip with her father when she was about 11 years old and that he viewed a pornographic video while she was with him.
“Looking back, I wonder if he was willing to do that with a 10- (to) 12-year-old girl – his daughter – in the room, what else would he be willing to do?” she said.
Steve Powell has pleaded not guilty to 14 charges of voyeurism and one of possession of child pornography.
Josh Powell temporarily lost the right to care for his children Wednesday.
Judge Kathryn Nelson said there is reasonable cause to believe the two boys cannot be safely returned to the home of Josh Powell, so she ordered that the kids will temporarily stay with Susan Powell’s parents, Chuck and Judy Cox. Josh Powell will have visitation rights.
Josh Powell said he did not see pornography at his father’s home and had nothing to do with any kind of illegal activity.