From Deseret News archives:

Ex-choir member is accused in sex case

Published: Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006 11:26 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
PROVO — A former member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is accused of sexually exploiting four children.

The Orem man, 51, was arrested Thursday after police completed an investigation into allegations that he took pictures of four boys swimming naked at a hot springs in Spanish Fork Canyon.

He was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of sexual exploitation of a child and lewdness involving a child. He was released Friday after posting $25,000 bail.

The man has also been dismissed from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, a world-renowned choir sponsored by the LDS Church.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has just learned of the arrest of (a man) who joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in January 2006," said Dale Bills, spokesman for the LDS Church.

"The church strongly condemns child abuse and will not tolerate such actions by anyone affiliated with our faith. Any member convicted of child abuse faces church disciplinary action. (The man) has been released from his position in the choir while the police investigation is proceeding."

According to a police report, the boys told police they had gone camping and everyone went swimming in the hot springs.

Story continues below
The boys also said the man filmed them with a camcorder and took still shots with the recorder as well, states the police report.

The man also allegedly "directed them into positions while taking pictures and remained nude himself," according to the police report.

The man later showed the boys the footage, according to the report.

The man will appear in 4th District Court Oct. 6 at 8:30 a.m.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

Jazz blow big lead, hang on

JAZZ will have two top 5 picks in the draft. Who doesn't think that's not...

To "Anonymous | 7:51 a.m." that is not a good option, and it is not the only...

Normally when I see an article like this it's an advertisement masquerading...

Utah group finds homes for orphans

I am from Detroit so I am well aware if the sad situation of many of the...

The US does not have an official language. Demographic changes including...

The reality is he will not, thankfully, get the job. In Europe he is seen as...

People you need to realize who's money we are talking about. It is yours and...

The problem is that Utah spends far too much money on the elite universities...

"Why should gay and lesbian emotionally challenged individuals have more...

Printers have recorded Utah history

Who determinies inductees. How can I contact them.Iwould like to nominate...

Advertisements
Advertisement