Former Bishop Charged with Sexually Abusing Teen While in Church Leadership Role in West Valley City

In a recent legal development, Mark Lehnhof Stevens, a former bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, has been charged with serious offenses dating back nearly two decades. The 68-year-old, who served as a bishop in West Valley City, is accused of first-degree felony forcible sodomy and two second-degree felony counts of forcible sexual abuse. These charges are based on an investigation into allegations that Stevens, while in a position of church leadership, engaged in inappropriate conduct with a teenage girl.

According to court documents filed in Salt Lake County, the incident reportedly occurred in 2006. The allegations suggest that Stevens invited the girl into his office under the guise of discussing a potential leadership role within the church. During this meeting, he allegedly began asking the girl explicit questions about her personal chastity, purportedly to assess her worthiness for the role. The conversation reportedly shifted to topics of sex and future marital expectations, during which Stevens allegedly told the girl that her role as a wife would include keeping her husband sexually satisfied. He is said to have warned that failing in this duty could result in divine accountability.

The affidavit further alleges that Stevens groped the girl and coerced her into performing a sexual act, claiming it was instructional for her future role as a wife. Subsequently, Stevens is accused of arranging weekly meetings with the girl to continue these “lessons,” which allegedly persisted into 2007. The details of any further incidents during these meetings were not specified in the report.

The case was forwarded to the Salt Lake County Attorney’s Office, where three felony charges were filed against Stevens. A no-bail warrant was issued, leading to his arrest by the Washington City Police Department, acting on a request from West Valley City law enforcement. The arrest took place at a residence on Quail Ridge Drive without incident.

This case underscores the importance of accountability and justice within religious institutions, as emphasized in biblical teachings such as Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God. It also highlights the need for communities to protect the vulnerable and uphold the principles of truth and care for victims, aligning with Proverbs 31:8-9’s call to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. As this legal process unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and integrity in all spheres of leadership.

Source: Read the original report