Brett Candelaria

Brett Candelaria Mormon Sex Crime Case Summary

01/15/08 Colorado

LDS Brett Candelaria for “over two decades, perfected his ruse, finding vulnerable
families, latching onto them at church, quickly winning their trust and then, after obtaining
easy access to young boys, committing horrific crimes.” Candelaria was first accused of
sexual assault in the 1980s and then in late 1992 allegations were again brought against
him for molestation of three boys ages 9, 10, and 13. He pleaded guilty to four counts of
abuse with a minor. In 1 997 more allegations of abuse from two boys ages 6 and 8. From
2002 forward occurred Candelaria;s “most serious legal charge after he took in a 14 year
old boy and he pleaded guilty. Then in January 2008 to boys ages 13 and 14 told police
that they were molested by Candelaria. They told “how Candelaria had befriended their
family at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. How he had gained the trust of
their family. How he wowed them with his collection of pristine Hot Wheels cars, with his

Xbox 360 and his PlayStation He used the church to gain access to the boys.” Detective

Estrada described Candelaria as a Monster! Charges were filed against Candelaria on
January 18, 2008 but two months later another boy came forward stating that Candelaria
had abused him. Then on September 5th, 2008 prosecutors filed 15 separate counts
against Candelaria. He was sentenced to two consecutive terms of 10 years to life. In his
next trial, Judge Robbins sentenced him to 36 more years to life on top of the previous
sentence.”