A former LDS bishop was charged Thursday with first-degree felony aggravated sexual abuse of a child for allegedly fondling a 13-year-old girl inside a church last month.
Spencer Dixon, 38, allegedly touched the girl's breasts and buttocks in the library of the church at 1320 S. Wasatch Drive (2520 East) on Aug. 24, according to charges filed in 3rd District Court. The church building is home to three LDS congregations, but court documents do not say if the child was part of Dixon's ward.
Dixon has since been "relieved of his ecclesiastical responsibilities," said Dale Bills, spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The girl was tending a number of young children inside the church, when Dixon asked her to accompany him to the church library to find some films, according to court records.
Inside the library, Dixon allegedly fondled the girl three times. She "was finally able to get away" and reported Dixon's alleged abuse to her parents the next day, charging documents say.
"We are shocked by allegations that a child may have been harmed by improper conduct on the part of a church leader," Bills said in a statement. "The church condemns abuse of any kind and expects the highest moral and ethical conduct by its leaders."
Bills said that Dixon has denied the allegations. Dixon did not return a phone call Thursday evening.
Police have issued a $100,000 warrant for Dixon's arrest. If convicted of the charge he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.