By Paul Nelson
KSL
November 15, 2011
www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=18103036
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PROVO -- A bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints is facing charges for not reporting a possible case of sexual abuse, even after charges against the purported abuser were dropped.
Several months ago, a 13-year-old girl reportedly told her bishop, Amado Rojas, that she was groped at a church function. By law, Rojas was required to tell police.
"This law was created specifically to protect children from future abuse," said Provo police Sgt. Matthew Siufanua.
Prosecutors believe the girl who reported it, but later dropped the charges after witnesses told them the contact was an accident.
Siufanua said it's the job of investigators and prosecutors to decide if the claims are vaild, and that someone can go to jail for not reporting abuse even if the abuse claims are false.
"Regardless of whether you think it's valid or you think it's not, you still need to give us a call," he said.
LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter issued this statement in response to the incident.
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has zero tolerance for abuse of any kind and is extremely proactive in its efforts to prevent abuse and to help victims when it does occur.
"Congregational leaders are instructed to obey the law and have access to a 24-hour helpline to assist them. We contacted local authorities as soon as we learned of the situation and will continue to work with them until it is resolved."
If charged and found guilty, Rojas could serve up to a year in jail.
Contact: pnelson@ksl.com
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