Former LDS bishop charged with sexual assault of 16-year-old girl
Share and Follow


SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill has brought sexual assault charges against a former bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to a press release from the DA’s Office.

Mark Lehnhof Stevens, 68, is charged in Salt Lake County with forcible sodomy (first-degree felony) and two counts of forcible sexual abuse (second-degree felony).

In 2006, Stevens, a former bishop of the LDS Church, assaulted the victim when she was 16 years old, according to the DA’s Office. The victim was reportedly a member of the church, and Stevens was her bishop.

At the time, Stevens had allegedly asked the victim to meet with him to “discuss her leadership role” within the church. The victim met with Stevens in his office, where he began asking her about her personal sexual behavior, officials said.

Stevens allegedly then told the victim that she would be expected to “keep her future husband sexually satisfied,” and that if her husband had issues with sin, God would “hold her accountable,” according to the DA’s Office. After telling her this, Stevens allegedly walked around his desk and sexually assaulted the victim.

After the assault, Stevens reportedly laughed and said to the victim, “You’re just so innocent, aren’t you?” He also reiterated that as her bishop, God had instructed him to “teach her how to keep her husband satisfied,” officials said.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill has released the following statement on the matter:

Churches are sacred spaces in our community. Children need to be protected, and it is incumbent on all of us to safeguard these spaces for our children. I want to thank this brave victim-survivor for coming forward and reporting this alleged abuse. If you are a survivor of sexual assault, I encourage you to report it to law enforcement. All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Stevens was booked into Salt Lake County Jail on the aforementioned charges.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
New owners of private island once realize it's 'a death trap'

Private Island Purchase Turns Into Unexpected Nightmare for New Owners

The new proprietors of a debated private island near San Francisco have…
Woman, 31, murdered with chainsaw by boyfriend

Shocking Chainsaw Crime: Tragic Story of 31-Year-Old Woman’s Murder by Boyfriend

Authorities in Arizona report a horrific incident where a woman was allegedly…
Army officer-turned-creator ‘MandatoryFunDay’ rises above Veterans Day backlash: 'I choose to laugh'

Ex-Army Officer ‘MandatoryFunDay’ Triumphs Over Veterans Day Backlash with Humor and Positivity

Austin von Letkemann, a popular comedy content creator and Army officer known…
Chicago judge orders Trump to release 600 illegal migrants

Chicago Judge Mandates Release of 600 Migrants by Trump Administration

A federal judge appointed by President Biden has mandated the release of…
68-year-old arrested following string of burglaries at Jacksonville family businesses, police say

Jacksonville Police Arrest 68-Year-Old in Connection with Series of Family Business Burglaries

Authorities in Jacksonville have charged 68-year-old Arthur Virgil with at least ten…
Stream It Or Skip It?

Stream or Skip: The Ultimate Guide to Deciding Your Next Binge-Worthy Show

No Sleep ‘Til Christmas, a holiday romantic comedy initially aired on Freeform…
Latin Grammy Awards WORST dressed stars

Latin Grammy Awards 2023: Fashion Fumbles on the Red Carpet – See the Most Unforgettable Style Misses

The much-anticipated 26th Annual Latin Grammy Awards have finally made their grand…
Taylor Swift's mom, Andrea, makes rare comment about Travis Kelce in new Eras Tour doc trailer

Andrea Swift Breaks Silence on Travis Kelce in Latest Eras Tour Documentary Trailer

In the latest trailer for Taylor Swift’s upcoming docuseries, “The End of…