Utah man charged with abusing teen in 2006 as her church leader

Feb 3, 2025, 5:41 PM | Updated: 7:44 pm

The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office in Salt Lake City....

FILE - The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office in Salt Lake City. (KSL TV)

(KSL TV)

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake County District Attorney has filed charges against a former religious leader, accused of sexually abusing a teen girl between 2006 and 2007.

According to charging documents, 68-year-old Mark Lehnhof Stevens used his position as the girl’s bishop to abuse her on several occasions.

Documents state the alleged abuse happened in Salt Lake County, but Stevens lives in Washington City, Utah.

The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office told KSL there is a no-bail arrest warrant for Stevens.

“The church’s position is that abuse cannot be tolerated in any form and that those who abuse will be accountable before God,” according to the church’s website.


This is a breaking news story and it may be updated.


If you have experienced sexual violence, you can access help and resources by calling Utah’s 24-hour Sexual Violence Help Line at 1-801-736-4356 (English) or 1-801-924-0860 (Spanish). You can also call the Rape Recovery Center office line during office hours at 801-467-7282 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 for free, confidential counseling.

KSL 5 TV Live

Crime

Two men were arrested Monday after police said they pursued a family with a gun. (KSL TV)...

Andrew Adams

Sandy Police say 2 men arrested after armed pursuit of family in car

Two men were arrested Monday after police said they pursued a family with a gun.

16 hours ago

Handcuffs used at the decommissioned Draper Prison....

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah woman accused of putting Borax in her children’s water

A Uintah County woman investigators say was putting a household cleaner in her children's water to help with weight loss has been arrested.

2 days ago

A Unified Police Department vehicle sits in a neighborhood in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Friday, Feb....

Michael Houck

SWAT arrests man suspected of robbing a Utah bank and sending threats to another

A man is accused of robbing a bank and stealing a dollar amount to reference the 9/11 attacks last week.

2 days ago

An officer assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division Bike Squad ...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest 2 people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for a suspected drug trafficking operation in Library Square. 

4 days ago

Autumn Mercado, who was found dead in her home on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025....

Garna Mejia

Charges pending in case of West Jordan mother found dead, family seeks justice and protection for children

Nearly a month after the discovery of a West Jordan woman's body during a welfare check, charges in the case have yet to be filed.

5 days ago

Friends and family leaving flowers and mementos in front of Heather Barela's photo....

Jacob Freeman

Charges brought against 15-year-old in Santa Clara murder case

Charges have officially been filed against a 15-year-old accused of killing a family member and wounding another in Santa Clara on Jan. 30.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

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.

Utah man charged with abusing teen in 2006 as her church leader