Former Mormon Bishop and Utah Mayor Arrested for Sexually Abusing Multiple Children, Toddlers

A former bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and former mayor of West Bountiful, Utah, has been arrested in connection to an ongoing child sex abuse investigation that spans decades and involves multiple victims, including toddlers.

Carl Johnson, 77, was arrested on Sept. 7, 2022, and booked into the Davis County Jail on seven counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child. Detectives allege Johnson abused children as young as 2 years old while holding positions of trust in the church and local government.

The Davis County Sheriff’s Office estimates there are at least six victims, with more cases currently under investigation. Police reports detail abuse against three victims between 1985 and 1996, with Johnson admitting to the allegations during an interview with detectives.

Johnson’s history of abuse includes a long-standing struggle with controlling his sexual urges, according to a detective’s affidavit. The sheriff’s office has urged any additional victims to contact detectives at 801-451-4100.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement to KUTV in response to inquiries about Johnson’s arrest, though the content of the statement was not disclosed in the report.

Abuse of the vulnerable is a grave violation of trust and a serious crime, and those who commit such acts must be held accountable. (Proverbs 31:8-9) The pursuit of justice for victims is a moral imperative. (Ephesians 5:11)

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