- David Nephi Johnson, Wasatch County GOP chairman, charged with waterboarding daughter Jan. 21.
- Police report alleges Johnson punished daughter for not cleaning room to his standards.
- Wasatch County GOP and Utah Democratic Party express concern, urge thorough investigation and accountability.
HEBER CITY — The Wasatch County GOP chairman, who is also a father, was charged Wednesday with waterboarding his teenage daughter.
David Nephi Johnson, 54, was booked into the Wasatch County Jail on Tuesday and charged in 4th District Court on Wednesday with aggravated child abuse, a first-degree felony.
Johnson is chairman of the Republican Party of Wasatch County.
The investigation began Jan. 21 when police received a report from the Division of Child and Family Services that a teenage girl "did not feel safe in her home and expressed fear for her life," according to a police booking affidavit.
During an interview, the girl said her father waterboarded her as punishment for not cleaning her room and "having it be spotless to (her father's) expectations" before she went out with friends, the affidavit states.
When the teen returned home, Johnson "grabbed the victim by the back of her neck and took her into the bathroom while the sink was filling with water. She disclosed that (Johnson) dunked her head under, brought it out, splashed water in her face, then dunked the victim's head under again," the affidavit alleges. "The victim disclosed that she couldn't breathe for about 20 to 30 seconds."
The teen also "disclosed multiple incidents involving her siblings" allegedly being abused, including a younger brother whom she said Johnson also grabbed by the neck, "took him into the bathroom and forced his head under the water. The victim stated that David removed her brother from the water, splashed water on his face and nose, knocked him down and repeated the act multiple times," the affidavit says.
The girl told police she does not feel safe when her father is home.
"The Heber City Police Department remains committed to protecting children and holding offenders accountable," the department said Tuesday. "Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Heber City Police Department."
Wednesday afternoon, the Wasatch County Republican Party Executive Committee issued a statement regarding the allegations against Johnson.
"The safety and well-being of children are of paramount importance to our party and our community. We are deeply concerned and troubled by the nature of the allegations brought forward by the Heber City Police Department. The Wasatch County GOP Executive Committee met in an emergency session. In accordance with our bylaws, Vice Chair Patty Sprunt will temporarily assume leadership to ensure the party continues its work for the residents of the county without interruption.
The Republican Party stands for the protection of the vulnerable and the upholding of the law," according to their statement. "Thus far, the public has not seen any evidence in this case. We encourage the community to refrain from judgment until the facts and evidence have been presented.
The Utah Democratic Party also issued a prepared statement calling for accountability if the allegations are proven.
"No matter the party, anyone in a position of public trust should be held to the highest possible standard — when allegations involve harm to a child, there is no room for excuses or partisan deflection. These accusations are horrifying. If even a fraction of these charges is true, it represents a profound betrayal of basic decency and pubic trust," the party stated. "Let the investigation be thorough and free from political interference. If these charges are proven, there must be real and public consequences - no quiet exits, no sweeping this under the rug."
Child abuse resources:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
- The Utah Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect families with community resources. Its goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe." Visit dcfs.utah.gov/contact-us/ or call 801-538-4100.
- The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
