Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MIDVALE -- A 57-year-old Kearns man who touted himself as a marriage counselor and therapist to Mormon congregations has been charged with forcible sexual abuse.
Arturio Tenorio was charged in 3rd District Court with two counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony, after two separate women reported "inappropriate touching" to police, said Midvale police detective Jacob Cutright.
He said the two women -- who came in individually and did not know each other previously -- shared "very similar" experiences. In each instance, their first few sessions involved both husband and wife, but then Tenorio said he needed to meet with the spouses separately.
"He began to have inappropriate conversations with (the women) and then there was inappropriate touching," Cutright said. "These females were uncomfortable, but due to his position, they felt they had to answer."
Cutright said Tenorio also touched the women "everywhere," including one instance when he touched one woman underneath her clothing.
Tenorio conducted the therapy sessions in an office he rented in a building at 75 E. 7200 South. Police believe he is currently working with seven families who are predominately Hispanic with an LDS background.
"He finds his clients through LDS Church talks and firesides," Cutright said. "He tells the bishops he is a marriage counselor."
Police say he had only been working in Midvale for a few months, but may have been promoting himself as a marriage counselor in other cities as well. They are currently seeking others who feel they may have been abused.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has zero tolerance for abuse of any kind. As soon as we became aware of these allegations, we encouraged the people to report it to the police. We join law enforcement authorities to encourage others to come forward if they have additional information.
–Church statement
Tenorio's brother, Octaviano Tenorio, is a member of the LDS Church's First Quorum of the Seventy. The Church released a statement Tuesday, voicing its support for police and urging any other potential victims to come forward.
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has zero tolerance for abuse of any kind," the statement reads. "As soon as we became aware of these allegations, we encouraged the people to report it to the police. We join law enforcement authorities to encourage others to come forward if they have additional information."
Cutright said Tenorio may have used his brother's church position "as far as gaining the trust of bishops and those in his ward." Police believe Arturio Tenorio also used trust to take advantage of those he treated.
"We definitely think he understands (those he is counseling) are vulnerable," Cutright said.
Officers conducted an interview with Tenorio after he was booked into jail and while the man admitted that he is not a licensed marriage counselor, he said he did have training as a coach. He also maintained that he is innocent and has done nothing improper.
They are also investigating reports from both women that Tenorio put a powdery substance in water that he offered them, which left one woman with a headache and another having trouble recollecting what happened in the session.
He is currently being held in the Salt Lake County Jail on $500,000 bail.
------
Story compiled with contributions from Emiley Morgan and Sandra Yi.
