David Nephi Johnson, 54, chairman of the Wasatch County Republican Party in northern Utah, has been formally charged with aggravated child abuse, a first-degree felony, as per announcements from law enforcement and court documents. The charges follow allegations that Johnson subjected his teenage daughter to repeated acts of waterboarding as a form of punishment within their family residence.
"The Republican Party stands for the protection of the vulnerable and the upholding of the law... We encourage the community to refrain from judgment until the facts and evidence have been presented."
The incident at the heart of the legal proceedings reportedly occurred in January after Johnson's 16-year-old daughter returned home and he became irate over the condition of her bedroom. A police affidavit detailed a confrontation where Johnson is accused of physically leading his daughter to a bathroom and submerging her head in water multiple times, hindering her ability to breathe for approximately 20 to 30 seconds. This method, often referred to as waterboarding, is considered a form of torture.
The allegations emerged when the Utah Division of Child and Family Services was notified by the teenager, who expressed a fear for her safety while at home. Subsequent investigation by Heber City Police Department led to the discovery of this and prior incidents, including one where the teen reported being struck, leaving visible bruising.
Interviews with the teenager revealed that she was not the only child in the household to experience such treatment; she recounted similar punitive measures being inflicted on her younger siblings. These accounts are part of an ongoing investigation, which also extends to reports of previous physical discipline that left marks on the children.
The gravity of the situation prompted an immediate response from the authorities. Johnson was initially detained without bail, but a judge later set bail at $10,000, which Johnson posted. In addition to the bail conditions, a pre-trial protective order has been issued that prevents Johnson from contacting the alleged victim or residing in the same home, as well as barring him from any form of domestic violence or abuse against other household members while the case is active.
Johnson's daughter has been placed temporarily with another adult relative for her protection, and child welfare officials have taken measures to ensure the safety of the other children in the home, including restrictions on physical discipline.
The Wasatch County Republican Party Executive Committee has expressed its disturbance and concern regarding the accusations. Vice Chair Patty Sprunt has taken on the role of interim leader in light of the situation. The party has urged the community to withhold judgment until all facts and evidence have been thoroughly examined.
Under Utah law, Johnson faces a sentence that could range from five years to life in prison if convicted, in addition to potential fines. Johnson's defense counsel has indicated that he is maintaining his innocence, while the investigation continues.
