Ex-missionary faces abuse charge today

A former missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remains in jail pending a court appearance today after being charged in 3rd District Court with aggravated sexual abuse of a child.

According to court documents, 20-year-old Kyle Saucier of Springville baptized a 12-year-old boy into the LDS Church last December while serving in the Holladay area of Salt Lake County 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.

Court records show Saucier turned himself in to police Wednesday after a warrant for his arrest on the first-degree felony was issued. He remains in the Salt Lake County Jail on $50,000 bail and is scheduled for an initial appearance via video from the jail this morning in 3rd District Court.

In a statement released by the LDS Church, church officials said Saucier was released immediately as a missionary in January when the abuse allegations first surfaced and that local church leaders continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement.

"The victim's welfare is our utmost concern, and church leaders will continue to offer counseling and other resources to help in the healing process," stated church spokesman Scott Trotter.