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The Satanic Panic Comes to Spring City, Utah

Old Spring City, Utah school house
Cory Maylett
/
WikiCommons
Old Spring City, Utah school house

Satanic panics — a fear that satanic cults secretly performed ritualistic abuse and sacrifices — were common in the late '80's and early '90's. One seems to be playing out in San Pete County today.

Joe and Lee Bennion have lived in Spring City, Utah, since 1976. It's an idyllic life in an idyllic town. Their pottery studio, Horseshoe Mountain Pottery, has always been unlocked - in case you want to grab a last-minute gift. But things have changed in the last few years. In 2022, an online activist made wild accusations against the Bennions that include ritualistic abuse and an LDS branch of the Church of Satan. Today on RadioWest, we'll unravel the complicated story.

GUESTS — 

Joe Bennion | His pottery shop Horseshoe Mountain Pottery is on Main Street in Spring City, Utah.

Suzanne Dean | Reporter for the Sanpete Messenger. Here’s a link to her story.

Paighten Harkins | Reporter for The Salt Lake Tribune. Story link here.

Jessica Schreifels | Investigative reporter for The Salt Lake Tribune. Story link here.

Dr. Lynne McNeill | Associate professor of folklore at Utah State University.

Airdate: Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 9 a.m. Sat. March 22, 2025 at 11 a.m.

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