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WEST JORDAN — A Kearns man accused of promoting himself as a marriage counselor to Mormon congregations and then sexually abusing his female clients had an initial appearance in court Wednesday.
In the brief hearing, 3rd District Judge Terry Christiansen read the charges against Arturo Tenorio, 57, alleging two counts of forcible sex abuse, a second-degree felony. Tenorio was scheduled to appear again in court for a roll call hearing Jan. 24.
Tenorio has hired attorney Ken Brown, who said he only spoke briefly with Tenorio, but that he is doing "as well as can be expected."
"It's hard on (the family)," he said. "It's difficult for the family, it's difficult for my client."
Prosecutor Marc Mathis said bail was raised from a previous $150,000 to $500,000 cash only, but said 3rd District Judge Mark Kouris did not explain specifically why he ordered the increase. Brown said the amount "seems excessive" and he plans to address the issue at an upcoming hearing.
Members of Tenorio's family were present at the hearing, but did not comment. Tenorio was charged following a weeks-long police investigation into reports from two separate females who said they went to Tenorio seeking marriage counseling.
They apparently each had several sessions with their respective spouses, but Tenorio then held individual sessions that involved "inappropriate touching" and conversations, according to police.
Police believe Tenorio was working with seven families at the time of his arrest and focused on those that are Hispanic with an LDS Church background. Police believe there may be more victims and the LDS Church released a statement denouncing all kinds of abuse and urging victims of abuse to come forward.
E-mail: emorgan@desnews.com
