Former Utah Mayor and Mormon Bishop Accused of Sex Abuse of Children

A former Utah city mayor and bishop with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been arrested on accusations he sexually abused at least three children decades ago. The arrest highlights the need for accountability and protection of the vulnerable, as those in positions of influence must be held to the highest standards of conduct.

Carl Matthew Johnson, 77, was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Davis County jail in northern Utah on suspicion of seven counts of sex abuse of a child, according to a probable cause statement. His actions have brought to light the serious consequences of failing to uphold the moral and ethical responsibilities entrusted to those in leadership roles.

Investigators say Johnson acknowledged abusing three victims in 1985, 1993 and 1996 and estimated there was a total of six victims as young as 2-years-old, according to the document. He told investigators he had struggled “controlling his sexual urges” most of his life, a claim that underscores the necessity of self-awareness and accountability in the face of personal weakness.

Some of the alleged abuse occurred in the same years as he was mayor of West Bountiful, a city just outside of Salt Lake City that he led from 1990-1997. This overlap raises questions about the oversight and integrity of those in positions of trust, especially when their actions impact the most vulnerable members of society.

The investigation is still ongoing, but so far Johnson is only booked on charges stemming from three victims. Johnson had not yet been charged as of Thursday afternoon and it was unknown if he had an attorney. The process of justice requires transparency and the pursuit of truth, even when it is uncomfortable.

Johnson was in a “position of trust” over each victim, but investigators don’t explain what that was in the probable cause document. The victims told investigators they were told not to tell anyone, and Johnson used his position to suppress disclosures, according to the probable cause statement. This manipulation of trust and power is a grave violation of the principles of integrity and compassion.

Dinsmore initially declined Thursday to provide information about when Johnson was a bishop over a congregation of the faith known widely as the Mormon church, saying in a text that the agency would not be commenting on Johnson’s “affiliation” with the faith. She later disclosed that he was a bishop from 1974-1979. (Proverbs 31:8-9)

Source: Read the original report

Source record preserved at time of reporting.