Honk News (Salt Lake City, UT) – Charges of sexual assault have been filed by Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill against a former bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as stated in a press release from the DA’s Office.
Mark Lehnhof Stevens, 68, faces serious charges in Salt Lake County, including forcible sodomy, classified as a first-degree felony, along with two counts of forcible sexual abuse, which are second-degree felonies.
According to the DA’s Office, in 2006, Stevens, a former bishop of the LDS Church, committed an assault against the victim when she was just 16 years old. The individual involved was said to be affiliated with the church, while Stevens held the position of her bishop.
Stevens reportedly invited the victim to meet with him to discuss her church position. According to officials, the victim had a meeting with Stevens in his office, during which he started inquiring about her sexual conduct.
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According to the DA’s Office, Stevens purportedly informed the victim that she would need to ensure her future husband’s sexual satisfaction, adding that if her husband faced any moral dilemmas, God would “hold her accountable.” Following this conversation, Stevens reportedly moved around his desk and assaulted the victim.
Following the attack, Stevens allegedly chuckled and remarked 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.
Stevens has been taken into custody at Salt Lake County Jail on the listed charges.