Second college administrator arrested in prostitution sting

CEDAR CITY — A former president of a small unaccredited liberal arts college in southern Utah has been arrested for investigation of soliciting sex.

It's the second person with a tie to a Cedar City college or university arrested Friday for attempting to solicit sex.

Andrew Joshua Groft, 38, was arrested Friday afternoon and booked into jail. Groft is a former president of George Wythe University. He was appointed president in February of 2009.

A school news letter in June of 2010 said Groft had also served as, "provost and as a mentor at GWU. A popular speaker with youth and adults, he has taught, consulted and presented for businesses, schools and academic and governmental forums throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia."

Groft announced he was stepping down as president in the same newsletter and requesting an "ambassadorial role as the Business and Government Affairs Liaison for the board of trustees."

The school's website currently does not list Groft among its faculty or board of trustee members.

Groft's arrest happened the same night during a prostitution sting in Cedar City that also netted Wesley R. Curtis, 57, a Southern Utah University vice president.

An announcement from SUU said Curtis was placed on paid administrative leave following the arrest.

— Pat Reavy