Former Mormon Bishop Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Boys from His Congregation

Former Mormon bishop Erik Wayne Hughes, 51, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing boys from his congregation in 2014. The plea was entered in 4th District Court, where Hughes faced two second-degree felony counts of forcible sexual abuse and a third-degree felony charge of tampering with a witness. The charges stem from alleged incidents in June 2014, during which Hughes, then serving as a bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, touched the genitals of a teenage boy.

According to charging documents, Hughes occupied a position of special trust within the church, as he was the victim’s bishop. The court proceedings also revealed that Hughes approached a second alleged victim after learning of the abuse. He allegedly advised the boy on how to respond to potential police contact, attempting to influence the victim’s testimony. Police confirmed that the second boy was also a teenager at the time and a member of Hughes’ ward.

Hughes’ defense attorney, John Allan, stated that the guilty plea was intended to resolve the matter swiftly, minimizing further distress for the victims. “The boys don’t have to go through any form of embarrassment,” Allan said, emphasizing Hughes’ desire to accept responsibility and face the consequences. The plea agreement does not specify the exact terms of Hughes’ sentencing, which is set for October 10 before Judge Thomas Low.

The LDS Church removed Hughes from any position within the organization following his arrest in June. A church spokesman at the time noted that Hughes had been “removed from any position within the church,” underscoring the organization’s response to the allegations. The case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency, especially within institutions that hold positions of trust.

The incident raises critical questions about the responsibilities of church leaders and the need for clear protocols to address abuse and protect vulnerable individuals. Proverbs 31:8-9 calls for defending the rights of the vulnerable, reminding us that justice and mercy must guide our actions. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that victims are treated with dignity and that accountability is pursued with integrity.

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