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MAPLETON — A former LDS Church bishop pleaded guilty this week to sexually abusing boys in his congregation.
Erik Wayne Hughes, 51, of Mapleton, pleaded guilty Wednesday in 4th District Court to two counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony, and tampering with a witness, a third-degree felony.
Hughes was charged with abusing two boys starting when the boys were 15 and 17. The abuse happened several years ago. Both were members of Hughes' LDS ward and are now adults.
The investigation began in April when one of the men, who had since moved out of state, disclosed to a counselor that he was sexually abused by his bishop, according to a search warrant.
In June, after Hughes learned the first victim was talking to police, he told the second one not to say anything if questioned, according to charging documents.
Both also claimed that Hughes may have drugged them by giving them a pill to relax. They reported waking up to find Hughes abusing them, according to a police affidavit filed in 4th District Court. Hughes was not charged with anything in relation to the alleged druggings.
Related:
Former Mapleton Mormon bishop accused of drugging, abusing 2 teens
A former LDS bishop in Mapleton has been arrested and accused of drugging and sexually abusing two teenage boys.Hughes announced a resolution to his case on Wednesday, when he was originally scheduled to have a preliminary hearing. Instead, he waived his preliminary hearing and pleaded guilty.
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 10.
LDS Church spokesman Eric Hawkins issued a statement regarding the incident when Hughes was arrested in June.
"There is zero tolerance for abuse of any kind in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When local leaders first learned about this matter, they immediately reported it to law enforcement. We have supported and cooperated fully with the law enforcement investigation. This individual has been removed from any position within the church," Hawkins said.
