SYRACUSE — An LDS Primary teacher was accused of molesting young girls in his class during church and at his home.

Aaron Marcos Montoya, 32, who is also a Salt Lake County sheriff's officer, was charged in 2nd District Court with five counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child. The charges included the aggravated enhancement because Montoya was in a position of trust in his church duties.

Two of the victims were allegedly molested at a ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints near 4500 West and 1700 South in Syracuse on Dec. 12. The attacks allegedly occurred in Montoya's Primary classroom while other students were present, Syracuse police Sgt. Mark Sessions said.

Two victims were allegedly attacked in Montoya's house near 1300 South and 3900 West over the past month, Sessions said. The young girls were at the house visiting Montoya's children, he said.

All of the victims were girls either 5 or 6 years old, Sessions said.

Church spokesman Dale Bills said the allegations are of the utmost concern.

"The church expects the highest moral and ethical standards of its members," he said. "Local church leaders stand ready to cooperate with official investigators as requested."

Professional counseling was being provided by the church to the victims and their families, Bills said.

Montoya made a brief initial appearance in court Wednesday. Bail was set at $100,000. His next court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 5.

Police were notified of the alleged incident on Dec. 16 after one of the other Primary children told her parents what had happened, Sessions said. Montoya was arrested at his house Tuesday night.

Sessions described Montoya's neighborhood as being "outraged" over the incident.

Neighbors around 1300 South and 3900 West said it is usually a quiet neighborhood where everyone knows each other. All of the residents the Deseret Morning News talked to Wednesday asked that their names not be used but said they were "shocked" by the arrest.

One man said the feeling in the neighborhood has fluctuated between rage and extreme sadness.

Another neighbor said she was "sick" about the situation. "It's just wrong," she said. "Like one neighbor said, 'Who do you trust?' But you can't live in fear."

Most neighbors agreed that Montoya is a "nice guy" and described his family as being "very religious." All the more reason why residents said they were stunned by the arrest.

Montoya's house was vacant Wednesday. His wife and three children were reportedly visiting relatives in Georgia.

He was placed on administrative leave from the sheriff's office Tuesday night pending the outcome of the investigation, said Salt Lake County Sheriff's Sgt. Rosie Rivera.

Montoya was hired by the sheriff's office in 1995. He works security at the Matheson Courthouse.

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E-mail: preavy@desnews.com