Therapist and religious leader pleads guilty to forcible sodomy,
and no contest to attempted aggravated sexual abuse of a minor
New York, N.Y. — A former therapist from Provo, Utah, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison this week after admitting to sexually abusing patients during therapy sessions.
The 66-year-old, who specialized in counseling gay men and was an ecclesiastical leader, pleaded guilty to three counts of forcible sodomy and no contest to attempted aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. His actions exploited his position of trust as both a therapist and religious leader.
The case involved two male patients and a teenage girl.
One man revealed that the therapist had manipulated therapy into physical abuse under the guise of treatment, while another said the therapist had claimed their actions were spiritually sanctioned. The teenage victim, just 13 at the time, was groped during therapy aimed at helping her cope with grief. These incidents spanned over a decade, with the therapist maintaining his professional role despite complaints.
Victims testified during the sentencing, describing the emotional scars left by the abuse.
Judge Kraig Powell expressed outrage over the betrayal of trust, stating that the therapist’s actions harmed not only his victims but also the integrity of ethical therapists and church leaders. The therapist apologized in court, acknowledging his crimes without offering excuses.
The therapist relinquished his therapy license in 2018 after initial complaints but continued operating until investigative reports by The Salt Lake Tribune and ProPublica led to police involvement in 2023. The plea deal dismissed additional charges but ensured consecutive sentences for the admitted crimes.
This case highlights systemic failures in addressing abuse allegations and underscores the need for accountability within therapeutic and religious institutions.
Utah Ex-Therapist Sentenced to Prison for “Spiritual” Sex Abuse (April 5, 2025)
#TherapistAbuse #JusticeServed
#SexualAbuseAwareness #ProvoCourt #TherapyEthics
#UtahNews #VictimVoices #AccountabilityMatters
Tags: Utah therapist, sexual abuse case, Provo court, therapy ethics, legal justice
LDS Church, sentencing hearing, victim testimony, mental health abuse
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