Brother of an LDS apostle charged with attempting to sexually exploit children in Utah and Ohio – The Salt Lake Tribune

Report on Federal Charges Concerning Child Exploitation

A case involving federal charges of attempted sexual exploitation of children has brought significant issues to the forefront, particularly concerning the protection of vulnerable populations. The arrest of Wade S. Christofferson, 72, in Utah underscores the critical importance of robust legal frameworks and institutional accountability, which are central tenets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Case Details and Allegations

Mr. Christofferson faces federal charges in Ohio for attempting to sexually exploit a minor, as well as for coercion and enticement. The investigation was initiated following a report to police in Dublin, Ohio, from an individual alleging historical sexual abuse. Subsequent actions have revealed further allegations involving a minor in Utah.

Key Allegations from the Investigation

• A report was filed on November 12 in Dublin, Ohio, by an alleged victim who stated they were sexually abused by Mr. Christofferson on multiple occasions as a child.
• A search of the suspect’s phone allegedly revealed searches for criminal defense attorneys and inquiries regarding mandatory reporting laws for clergy concerning child abuse confessions.
• Further allegations involve sexually explicit communications and physical sexual abuse of a 7-year-old girl in Utah.
• A search of the suspect’s Ohio residence reportedly uncovered a modified attic crawl space containing a mattress and children’s writing on the walls.

Judicial Process and Institutional Response

Following his arrest in Utah, Mr. Christofferson made an initial appearance in a federal court. He is scheduled to be extradited to Ohio to face the charges filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This legal process demonstrates the function of state and federal institutions in pursuing justice, a cornerstone of SDG 16.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This case directly relates to several key Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the societal imperative to protect children from violence and exploitation and to ensure justice through strong, accountable institutions.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The allegations represent a severe breach of SDG Target 16.2, which explicitly calls for an end to abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children. The response by law enforcement and the judicial system is a direct application of the principles of SDG 16, which emphasizes the need for effective and accountable institutions at all levels to ensure access to justice for all and combat crime.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The specific allegations involving the exploitation of a young girl underscore the vulnerabilities highlighted in SDG 5. Target 5.2 aims to eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls, including sexual exploitation. Protecting girls from such abuse is fundamental to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The profound and lasting physical and psychological trauma resulting from child abuse is a direct impediment to achieving SDG Target 3.4, which focuses on promoting mental health and well-being. Ensuring the safety and protection of children is a prerequisite for fostering healthy lives and well-being for all ages.

Clergy Reporting and Institutional Frameworks

The case also brings attention to the legal and institutional frameworks surrounding the mandatory reporting of child abuse. Discrepancies in state laws, such as those in Ohio and Utah regarding clergy privilege in abuse confessions, impact the effectiveness of institutional safeguards. The role of internal reporting mechanisms within organizations, such as the help line provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is also pertinent. The effectiveness and primary purpose of such systems are critical to ensuring that institutional responses prioritize victim safety and align with the goals of SDG 16 for transparent and accountable institutions.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on the justice system’s response to alleged crimes against children. The article details the arrest, charges filed by federal prosecutors, and the legal framework concerning child abuse reporting in Utah and Ohio. This directly relates to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  The article specifically mentions that one of the alleged victims is a “Utah girl” who was 7 years old. This connects the issue to SDG 5, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls. The sexual exploitation and abuse described are extreme forms of gender-based violence.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  While not explicitly discussed, the subject of child sexual abuse and exploitation has profound and lasting negative impacts on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of victims. Therefore, the issues in the article are inherently linked to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

  This is the most direct target. The article is entirely about allegations of child sexual abuse and exploitation. The charges against Wade S. Christofferson, including “attempting to sexually exploit a minor” and “coercion and enticement,” as well as the description of “hands-on sexual abuse,” are precisely the issues this target aims to eliminate.

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

  The alleged abuse of a 7-year-old girl, including “sexually explicit conversations” and physical abuse, falls directly under this target’s goal of eliminating sexual violence and exploitation against girls.

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

  The criminal acts described in the article represent a severe form of violence. The legal actions taken, such as the arrest and charges, are measures aimed at reducing such violence and holding perpetrators accountable, which aligns with this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Implied Indicator for Target 16.2: Number of victims of violence, and number of criminal justice actions taken.

  The article provides specific data points that would contribute to official indicators. It mentions at least two alleged victims (one in Ohio, one in Utah). The reporting of the crime to the police in Dublin, Ohio, the subsequent search of the suspect’s home, his arrest, and the filing of federal charges are all measurable actions by the justice system. These actions serve as indicators of an institution’s response to violence against children.

• Implied Indicator for Target 16.2 & 5.2: Existence and implementation of laws on reporting abuse.

  The article explicitly discusses the legal framework for reporting child abuse by clergy in both Ohio and Utah. It notes that in Ohio, reporting “depends on how the clergy learned of the abuse,” while in Utah, clergy “may” report but are not required to. The existence, strength, and enforcement of such mandatory reporting laws are key indicators of a state’s commitment to protecting children and ending violence.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: sltrib.com