Missionary charged with sexual abuse

A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was charged in 3rd District Court on Monday after police say he groped a young boy.

According to court documents, a 12-year-old boy was recently baptized into the church by the 20-year-old man, who was serving in the Holladay area at the time. The boy and his mother later went to the missionary's home to deliver a Christmas present. The boy told police that on Dec. 24, when the missionary gave the boy a hug in exchange for the present, the missionary "reached into his pants" and touched him inappropriately, as stated in court documents.

The man has been charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony. A $50,000 warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Church officials did not return a telephone call Monday night.