Former Utah Church Leader Charged with First-Degree Felony After Teen Reports Decades-Old Assault
Mark Lehnhof Stevens, 68, faces multiple felony charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl while serving as a bishop for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in West Jordan, Utah. The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office filed charges, including forcible sodomy and two counts of forcible sexual abuse for incidents that allegedly occurred between 2006 and 2007. The case emerged after the victim reported historical abuse that took place during private meetings in Stevens’ church office. The Washington, Utah resident now confronts serious criminal allegations that have drawn attention to church safety protocols and victim protection measures.
- Stevens faces one count of first-degree forcible sodomy and two counts of second-degree forcible sexual abuse.
- The alleged abuse occurred during private meetings with a 16-year-old girl between 2006-2007.
- Prosecutors say Stevens used discussions about church leadership roles to initiate inappropriate contact.
- The victim reported Stevens made statements about sexual obligations and divine accountability.
- West Jordan Police Department conducted the investigation, leading to current charges.
How Did the Alleged Abuse Occur in Church Settings?
Court documents detail a pattern of escalating inappropriate behavior that began with what appeared to be routine church leadership meetings. Stevens allegedly initiated these private meetings with the 16-year-old victim between 2006 and 2007, using his position as bishop to request weekly one-on-one sessions under the guise of discussing her leadership responsibilities within the church. The meetings took place in Stevens’ church office, where he held significant authority as a religious leader.
According to prosecutors, Stevens systematically shifted these conversations from church matters to increasingly personal and sexual topics. Charging documents reveal that he questioned the teenager about her personal sexual behavior and experiences. In what investigators describe as grooming behavior, Stevens allegedly told the victim she would bear divine responsibility for her future husband’s potential struggles with pornography or other sins. This religious manipulation, prosecutors say, created a context of spiritual obligation and shame.
The situation allegedly culminated in physical assault when Stevens walked around his desk and sexually assaulted the teenager. The specific details of the assault led to the current charges of forcible sodomy and forcible sexual abuse, reflecting the severity of the alleged crimes. Prosecutors note that Stevens’ position of religious authority created a significant power imbalance that made it difficult for the teenage victim to resist or report the abuse at the time.
What Actions Have Law Enforcement Taken in Response?
The West Jordan Police Department launched a comprehensive investigation after the victim came forward with her account of historical abuse. Investigators gathered evidence spanning nearly two decades, working to corroborate details of events between 2006 and 2007. This investigation culminated in the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office filing three separate felony charges against Stevens.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill emphasized the particular betrayal of trust inherent in religious setting abuse cases. “Churches are sacred spaces in our community. Children need to be protected, and it is incumbent on all of us to safeguard these spaces for our children,” Gill stated in a formal announcement of the charges. The District Attorney’s office has established a specific protocol for handling historical abuse cases, recognizing the unique challenges these cases present for both investigation and prosecution.
Gill specifically praised the courage of the victim in this case, stating, “I want to thank this brave victim-survivor for coming forward and reporting this alleged abuse.” The District Attorney’s office has also issued a broader call to action, encouraging other potential victims of sexual assault to report their experiences to law enforcement, indicating possible concerns about additional victims in religious settings.
How Has the Church Responded to These Allegations?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains an official zero-tolerance stance on abuse, stating through their website that “abuse cannot be tolerated in any form and that those who abuse will be accountable before God.” This case has prompted renewed scrutiny of the church’s policies regarding one-on-one meetings between religious leaders and minors, as well as their protocols for handling abuse allegations.
The charges against Stevens highlight ongoing concerns about accountability within religious institutions, particularly regarding historical abuse cases. The case raises questions about the supervision of church leaders and the safeguards in place to protect young members of the congregation. While the church’s official position condemns abuse, this case has sparked discussions about practical prevention measures and reporting mechanisms within religious organizations.
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