CRIME

Sandy scuba instructor charged with sexually abusing young student

Sep 17, 2024, 5:26 PM | Updated: 7:27 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — A Sandy scuba instructor is facing felony charges accusing him of sexually abusing a young student.

David L. Butt, 40, was charged Tuesday in 3rd District Court with four counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony.

In February of 2021, a 10-year-old alleges “she was sexually assaulted by her scuba instructor,” Butt. The girl says Butt would repeatedly place his hand inside her bathing suit and she would try to swim away, according to charging documents. “This happened each week that (the girl) had scuba lessons.”

“Officers interviewed another (child) participant of the class, who described the behavior of Butt as ‘creepy,’ and said that Butt was much more hands on with (the girl) than the other students,” according to the charges.

That other student was concerned enough about the behavior, he told a parent about it, the charges state.

“We know that with position of power dynamic and unique trust, it also brings that authority into that (alleged abuse) and so children are far more vulnerable,” said Sim Gill, the Salt Lake County District Attorney.

Prosecutors also noted there “have been additional allegations against (Butt) that are similar in nature,” including from a girl who says Butt did the same thing to her when she took lessons in Midway, according to the charges. “That female minor has suffered immense trauma from the incident and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.”

“These children are not alone, this is not your fault, and we want you to know that as a community we are here to help. And we will take any allegations seriously,” Gill said.

The charges filed Tuesday are for alleged incidents only involving the 10-year-old girl in Salt Lake County.

Contributing: Shara Park, KSL TV


Child abuse resources:

  • Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).

Help with Children

Those who feel stressed out with a child, who need a break or who feel like they need counseling or training can reach out to one of the following agencies:

  • The Family Support Center has 15 locations throughout the state and offers a free crisis nursery for parents who have to keep appointments or who are stressed out. They also offer counseling and family mentoring. Call 801-955-9110 or visit familysupportcenter.org/contact.php for more information.
  • Prevent Child Abuse Utah provides home visiting in Weber, Davis, and Box Elder counties. Parent Educators provide support, education, and activities for families with young children. Their statewide education team offers diverse trainings on protective factors, digital safety, bullying, and child sex trafficking. They are available for in-person or virtual trainings and offer free online courses for the community at pcautah.org.
  • The Office of Home Visiting works with local agencies to provide home visits to pregnant women and young families who would like to know more about being parents. Home visitors are trained and can provide information about breastfeeding, developmental milestones, toilet training, nutrition, mental health, home safety, child development, and much more. Find out more at homevisiting.utah.gov.
  • The Safe Haven law allows birth parents in Utah to safely and anonymously give up custody of their newborn child at any hospital in the state, with no legal consequences and no questions asked. The child’s mother can drop off the child, or the mother can ask someone else to do it for her. The newborns should be dropped off at hospitals that are open 24 hours a day. Newborns given up in this manner will be cared for by the hospital staff, and the Utah Division of Child and Family Services will find a home for the child. For more information, visit utahsafehaven.org or call the 24-hour hotline at 866-458-0058.

KSL 5 TV Live

Crime

On Wednesday a probation fugitive fled police leading to a high speed car chase involving several p...

Diana Jones

Multi-department car chase leads to capture of fugitive

ELWOOD, Utah — On Wednesday, a probation fugitive fled from police in a high-speed car chase that involved multiple police departments. At approximately 12:45 p.m., Weber County Adult Probation and Parole received a tip on the location of 24-year-old Brandler Stone. How he became a wanted person In Aug. 2024, Stone was sentenced to serve up […]

18 hours ago

squad car SLCPD...

Michael Houck

Convicted felon accused of kidnapping and threatening a security guard

A man is being accused of threatening a security guard with a broken shard of glass and demanding he take him to a gas station.

21 hours ago

Neil Gaiman arrives at the Art of Elysium Heaven Gala on Jan. 6, 2024, at The Wiltern Theater in Lo...

TODD RICHMOND

Woman’s lawsuits say sci-fi author Neil Gaiman repeatedly sexually assaulted her

A woman from New Zealand has filed three civil lawsuits accusing best-selling British author Neil Gaiman of repeatedly sexually assaulting her while she was working as his family’s babysitter and nanny.

2 days ago

Police at the scene of an incident at Risbergska School, in Örebro, Sweden, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025....

STEFANIE DAZIO

10 killed at adult education center, officials say it’s Sweden’s worst mass shooting

About 10 people, including the gunman, were killed on Tuesday at an adult education center in what Sweden’s prime minister called the country’s worst mass shooting.

2 days ago

The Buckhorn Draw Pictograph Panel within the San Rafael Swell was vandalized in January, as the Bu...

Alton Barnhart

BLM seeks information about vandalized Buckhorn Draw petroglyphs

The Buckhorn Draw Pictograph Panel within the San Rafael Swell was vandalized in January, as the Bureau of Land Management sought answers. 

2 days ago

Security footage of a man walking away with a rifle in a Moab parking lot....

Michael Houck

Man steals rifle from unlocked car in Moab parking lot, police say

Police are warning gun owners to secure their firearms after a man wandered off with a rifle from an unlocked car Sunday night. 

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Sandy scuba instructor charged with sexually abusing young student