Former LDS Bishop and Ex-Mayor of West Bountiful, Utah, Arrested on Seven Counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child

Carl Johnson, 77, a former bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and former mayor of West Bountiful, Utah, was arrested on September 7, 2022, in connection with an ongoing child sex abuse investigation, according to KUTV. One report says he was taken into custody in Orem, Utah. He was booked into the Davis County Jail on seven counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child. These are charges, and the allegations have not been tested in court.

Detectives allege that Johnson abused children as young as 2 years old while holding positions of trust in the church and in local government, according to CBS Austin. Another report says the alleged abuse occurred between 1985 and 1996, and that Johnson served as mayor of West Bountiful in the 1990s. SLTrib reports that allegations state Johnson sexually abused at least three children during that period.

The reports differ on the number of victims. CBS Austin reports that the Davis County Sheriff’s Office estimates there are at least six victims and that more cases are under investigation. The same report says police reports detail abuse against three victims between 1985 and 1996. SLTrib’s account, citing a probable cause statement, refers to at least three children. The sources do not reconcile these figures.

According to a police affidavit cited by KUTV, Johnson allegedly told victims not to disclose the abuse and, in some cases, suppressed disclosures when they occurred. KUTV also reports that detectives allege Johnson abused children while holding positions of trust within the Church, including as a bishop. Positions of trust carry heavier responsibility before God and neighbor (Luke 12:48).

SLTrib reports that, according to a probable cause statement, Johnson was in a position of trust over the alleged victims. The probable cause statement is a document filed to support the arrest and charges, and the allegations it contains remain unproven. The reports do not describe any plea, court appearance, or verdict.