Cortney Andrew (1984 – ) was a Mormon church member and bishopric counselor in Logan, Utah; in 2023, pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony counts of enticing a minor; sentenced in 2024 to 60 days in jail; as of May 2026, is a registered sex offender living and possibly attending an LDS ward in Trenton, Utah.

January 23, 2024
Andrew was sentenced to serve 60 days in jail with work release, followed by 24 months probation. He was also ordered to be placed on the sex-offender registry and have no contact with the victim.

—
Cort Andrew was an LDS church member from Cache County, Utah. He was married in the Bountiful, Utah Mormon temple in May 2013.

UPDATE 2023-08-20:

  • There was a pre-trial conference on June 26, 2023.
  • The defense requested a continuance so Cort Andrew (defendant) could complete evaluations.
  • The prosecution didn’t object. The court continued to August 14.
  • Another pre-trial conference was held on Aug 14.
  • Same thing, defense said they’re still waiting for final evaluation results and requested another continuance.
  • No objection from the state. It’s been continued to September 18, 2023 (another pre-trial conference).

—

from Cache Valley Daily:

“LOGAN — A former local leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is facing criminal charges for allegedly sexting with a teenage girl in his congregation. Cortney Ted Andrew, a 38-year-old Trenton man is facing four counts of enticing a minor by internet or text, a second-degree felony.

Cache County Sheriff’s Lt. Doyle Peck said the crimes allegedly occurred between June 10 and July 14, 2021. Andrew was then reportedly serving as a counselor in the ward’s bishopric with a bishop and another counselor. The three men would oversee the operations of the congregation, including the records, finances and caring for those in need.

Sheriff’s Lt. Mikelshan Bartschi said the alleged victim told detectives how she originally began communicating with Andrew to receive counseling. Andrew would text the teen girl religious advice.

the texts turned inappropriate and very sexually graphic

As the communications went on though, “the texts turned inappropriate and very sexually graphic,” said Bartschi.

The alleged victim’s mother reported the actions to the bishop, who reportedly removed Andrew from his position in the ward. She later notified and spoke to law enforcement after the bishop allegedly failed to report the crimes.

Peck said it appears from the evidence, Andrew was attempting to groom the girl to have sex with him. The communications ended supposedly before the relationship became physical.

According to court records, Andrew made his initial appearance Monday afternoon in 1st District Court. He had previously been arrested and booked temporarily into the Cache County Jail.

Church officials did not issue a statement when asked for comment regarding Andrew’s arrest. In October 2022, Church President Russell M. Nelson said “any kind of abuse of women, children, or anyone is an abomination to the Lord…Those who perpetrate these hideous acts are not only accountable to the laws of man but will also face the wrath of Almighty God.”

Andrew remains out of jail on pretrial supervision. He could face up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.”

—

As of 2023-04-11, the Cache Valley Daily article quoted above changed its article to read:

“Editors note: This story was updated Tuesday morning after receiving information from a spokesperson from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

LOGAN — A former local leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is facing criminal charges for allegedly sexting with a teenage girl in his congregation. Cortney Ted Andrew, a 38-year-old Trenton man is facing four counts of enticing a minor by internet or text, a second-degree felony.

Cache County Sheriff’s Lt. Doyle Peck said the crimes allegedly occurred between June 10 and July 14, 2021. Andrew was then reportedly serving as a counselor in the ward’s bishopric with a bishop and another counselor. The three men would oversee the operations of the congregation, including the records, finances and caring for those in need.

Sheriff’s Lt. Mikelshan Bartschi said the alleged victim told detectives how she originally began communicating with Andrew to receive counseling. Andrew would text the teen girl religious advice.

the texts turned inappropriate and very sexually graphic

As the communications went on though, “the texts turned inappropriate and very sexually graphic,” said Bartschi.

The alleged victim reported the actions to the bishop, who reportedly removed Andrew from his position in the ward, according to Bartschi.

Peck said it appears from the evidence, Andrew was attempting to groom the girl to have sex with him. The communications ended supposedly before the relationship became physical.

According to court records, Andrew made his initial appearance Monday afternoon in 1st District Court. He had previously been arrested and booked temporarily into the Cache County Jail.

Church spokesman, Sam Penrod said the Church reported these allegations to authorities on behalf of the bishop in February 2022, when he first learned of the situation. This individual was immediately released from serving as a counselor in the bishopric. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has zero tolerance for abuse of any kind and is awaiting the outcome of this case in the court system before commenting any further.

In October 2022, Church President Russell M. Nelson said “any kind of abuse of women, children, or anyone is an abomination to the Lord…Those who perpetrate these hideous acts are not only accountable to the laws of man but will also face the wrath of Almighty God.”

Andrew remains out of jail on pretrial supervision. He could face up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.”

—

from Cache Valley Daily on May 23, 2023:

“LOGAN — A former local leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being bound over for trial on charges of sexting with a teenage girl in his congregation. Cortney Ted Andrew, a 38-year-old Trenton man, pleaded “not guilty” to the six counts of enticing a minor by internet or text, three second-degree felonies and three third-degree felonies.

According to court records, Andrew appeared for a preliminary hearing Monday morning in 1st District Court. Following prosecutor’s calling the lead investigator in the case to testify and showing a statement from the alleged victim about the allegations, Judge Angela Fonnesbeck determined there was sufficient evidence to bind the defendant over for trial.

Cache County Sheriff’s deputies report the crimes allegedly occurred between June 10 and July 14, 2021. Andrew was then reportedly serving as a counselor in the ward’s bishopric with a bishop and another counselor. The three men would oversee the operations of the congregation, including the records, finances and caring for those in need.

The alleged victim told detectives how she originally began communicating with Andrew to receive counseling. He would text the teen girl religious advice.

As the communications went on, though, the texts turned inappropriate and sexually-graphic in nature.

The alleged victim reported the actions to the bishop, who reportedly removed Andrew from his position in the ward.

Investigators suspect Andrew was attempting to groom the girl to have sex with him. The communications ended supposedly before the relationship became physical.

At the time of Andrew’s arrest, Church spokesman Sam Penrod said the Church reported the allegations to authorities on behalf of the bishop in February 2022 when he first learned of the situation. Penrod explained, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has zero tolerance for abuse of any kind and is awaiting the outcome of this case in the court system before commenting any further.

Andrew remains out of jail on pretrial supervision. He is scheduled to appear again in court June 26 for a pretrial conference, and could face up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.”

2026 Cort Andrew Update

As of May 2026, Andrew is a registered sex offender living and possibly attending an LDS ward in Trenton, Utah. His sex offender registry listing includes the address of a Trenton LDS church building.

Have any info on this Mormon sex abuse case? Contact us.

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Sources

  1. LDS leader in Trenton charged with allegedly enticing teen girl from congregation, Cache Valley Daily, April 10, 2023.
  2. Church leader in Trenton ordered to stand trial on charges of enticing teen girl from congregation, Cache Valley Daily, May 23, 2023.
  3. Prev Previous Previous Former salon owner sentenced to jail, ordered to pay $270K in massive fraud case Former salon owner sentenced to jail, ordered to pay $270K i… LOGAN — A former medical salon owner is serving a one-month … Next Next Up Next Up Watch for cougars when recreating outdoors SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources would like to remind hi… Former LDS leader in Trenton sentenced to jail for enticing teen girl from congregation , Cache Valley Daily, January 23, 2024.
  4. STATE OF UTAH vs. CORTNEY TED ANDREW CASE NUMBER 231100274 State Felony, Xchange Utah Court, March 1, 2023.
  5. Cortney Ted Andrew, Utah Department of Public Safety, May 6, 2026.
  6. Cortney Ted Andrew, Offender Radar, May 6, 2026.

  • 1. LDS leader in Trenton charged with allegedly enticing teen girl from congregation

    • 20230410
    • News article
    • Cache Valley Daily

    Editors note: This story was updated Tuesday morning after receiving additional information from a spokesperson from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

    LOGAN — A former local leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is facing criminal charges for allegedly sexting with a teenage girl in his congregation. Cortney Ted Andrew, a 38-year-old Trenton man, is facing four counts of enticing a minor by internet or text, a second-degree felony.

    Cache County Sheriff’s Lt. Doyle Peck said the crimes allegedly occurred between June 10 and July 14, 2021. Andrew was then reportedly serving as a counselor in the ward’s bishopric with a bishop and another counselor. The three men would oversee the operations of the congregation, including the records, finances and caring for those in need.

    Sheriff’s Lt. Mikelshan Bartschi said the alleged victim told detectives how she originally began communicating with Andrew to receive counseling. Andrew would text the teen girl religious advice.

    As the communications went on though, “the texts turned inappropriate and very sexually graphic,” said Bartschi.

    The alleged victim reported the actions to the bishop, who reportedly removed Andrew from his position in the ward, according to Bartschi.

    Peck said it appears from the evidence, Andrew was attempting to groom the girl to have sex with him. The communications ended supposedly before the relationship became physical.

    According to court records, Andrew made his initial appearance Monday afternoon in 1st District Court. He had previously been arrested and booked temporarily into the Cache County Jail.

    Church spokesman Sam Penrod said the Church reported these allegations to authorities on behalf of the bishop in February 2022 when he first learned of the situation. This individual was immediately released from serving as a counselor in the bishopric. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has zero tolerance for abuse of any kind and is awaiting the outcome of this case in the court system before commenting any further.

    In October 2022, Church President Russell M. Nelson said “any kind of abuse of women, children, or anyone is an abomination to the Lord…Those who perpetrate these hideous acts are not only accountable to the laws of man but will also face the wrath of Almighty God.”

    Andrew remains out of jail on pretrial supervision. He could face up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.

    Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

  • 2. Church leader in Trenton ordered to stand trial on charges of enticing teen girl from congregation

    • 20230523
    • News article
    • Cache Valley Daily

    LOGAN — A former local leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being bound over for trial on charges of sexting with a teenage girl in his congregation. Cortney Ted Andrew, a 38-year-old Trenton man, pleaded “not guilty” to the six counts of enticing a minor by internet or text, three second-degree felonies and three third-degree felonies.

    According to court records, Andrew appeared for a preliminary hearing Monday morning in 1st District Court. Following prosecutor’s calling the lead investigator in the case to testify and showing a statement from the alleged victim about the allegations, Judge Angela Fonnesbeck determined there was sufficient evidence to bind the defendant over for trial.

    Cache County Sheriff’s deputies report the crimes allegedly occurred between June 10 and July 14, 2021. Andrew was then reportedly serving as a counselor in the ward’s bishopric with a bishop and another counselor. The three men would oversee the operations of the congregation, including the records, finances and caring for those in need.

    The alleged victim told detectives how she originally began communicating with Andrew to receive counseling. He would text the teen girl religious advice.

    As the communications went on, though, the texts turned inappropriate and sexually-graphic in nature.

    The alleged victim reported the actions to the bishop, who reportedly removed Andrew from his position in the ward.

    Investigators suspect Andrew was attempting to groom the girl to have sex with him. The communications ended supposedly before the relationship became physical.

    At the time of Andrew’s arrest, Church spokesman Sam Penrod said the Church reported the allegations to authorities on behalf of the bishop in February 2022 when he first learned of the situation. Penrod explained, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has zero tolerance for abuse of any kind and is awaiting the outcome of this case in the court system before commenting any further.

    Andrew remains out of jail on pretrial supervision. He is scheduled to appear again in court June 26 for a pretrial conference, and could face up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.

    Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

  • 3. Prev Previous Previous Former salon owner sentenced to jail, ordered to pay $270K in massive fraud case Former salon owner sentenced to jail, ordered to pay $270K i… LOGAN — A former medical salon owner is serving a one-month … Next Next Up Next Up Watch for cougars when recreating outdoors SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources would like to remind hi… Former LDS leader in Trenton sentenced to jail for enticing teen girl from congregation

    • 20240123
    • News article
    • Cache Valley Daily

    LOGAN — A former local leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been sentenced to 60 days in jail for sexting with a teenage girl in his congregation several years ago. Cortney Ted Andrew, a 39-year-old Trenton man, was told to report to the Cache County Jail by Saturday, after telling a judge that he was sorry for what he did.

    Andrew was sentenced Monday, Jan. 22, in Logan’s 1st District Court. He previously accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to two counts of enticing a minor by internet or text, amended to a third-degree felony.

    According to prosecutors, the crimes occurred between June 10 and July 14, 2021. Andrew was then reportedly serving as a counselor in the ward’s bishopric with a bishop and another counselor. The three men would oversee the operations of the congregation, including the records, finances and caring for those in need.

    During the investigation, the victim told Cache County Sheriff’s detectives how she originally began communicating with Andrew to receive counseling. Andrew would text the teen girl religious advice. As the communications went on though, the texts turned inappropriate and sexually graphic.

    The victim reported the actions to the bishop, who reportedly removed Andrew from his position in the ward.

    Through the investigation, detectives reported that Andrew was attempting to groom the girl to have sex with him. The communications ended before the relationship became physical.

    During Monday’s sentencing, defense attorney Shannon Demler said what Andrew did was “legally and morally wrong.” He asked the court for leniency though, explaining how his client was remorseful, and had no criminal history.

    Andrew told the victim, he was sorry for what he did and hoped she could forgive him. He also expressed sorrow for the pain that he’d caused his family.

    Cache County Deputy Attorney Joshua Nemeth said Andrew made a series of bad mistakes. He explained how the defendant used his position in the church to abuse the victim.

    Judge Angela Fonnesbeck told Andrew, being a child is hard enough without having someone communicating with them like this. She said the victim didn’t deserve what the defendant did.

    “People in a position of trust don’t do this to children,” Judge Fonnesbeck said angrily.

    Andrew was sentenced to serve 60 days in jail with work release, followed by 24 months probation. He was also ordered to be placed on the sex-offender registry and have no contact with the victim.

  • 4. STATE OF UTAH vs. CORTNEY TED ANDREW CASE NUMBER 231100274 State Felony

    • 20230301
    • News article
    • Xchange Utah Court

    FIRST DISTRICT - CACHE
    CACHE COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
    STATE OF UTAH vs. CORTNEY TED ANDREW
    CASE NUMBER 231100274 State Felony

    CHARGES

    Charge 1 - 76-4-401(4)(A)(I) - ENTICE A MINOR BY INTERNET OR TEXT - 2nd Degree Felony
    Offense Date and Time: July 14, 2021 at 12:07 AM
    Location: Cache County
    Plea: May 22, 2023 Not Guilty
    Disposition: December 11, 2023 Dismissed (w/o prej)

    Charge 2 - 76-4-401(4)(A)(I) - ENTICE A MINOR BY INTERNET OR TEXT - 2nd Degree Felony
    Offense Date and Time: July 14, 2021 at 12:07 AM
    Location: Cache County
    Plea: May 22, 2023 Not Guilty
    Disposition: December 11, 2023 Dismissed (w/o prej)

    Charge 3 - 76-4-401(4)(A)(I) - ENTICE A MINOR BY INTERNET OR TEXT - 2nd Degree Felony
    Offense Date and Time: July 14, 2021 at 12:07 AM
    Location: Cache County
    Plea: May 22, 2023 Not Guilty
    Disposition: December 11, 2023 Dismissed (w/o prej)

    Charge 4 - 76-4-401(4)(B) - ENTICE A MINOR BY INTERNET OR TEXT - 3rd Degree Felony
    Offense Date and Time: June 10, 2021 at 12:06 AM
    Location: Cache County
    Plea: December 11, 2023 Guilty
    Disposition: December 11, 2023 Guilty

    Charge 5 - 76-4-401(4)(B) - ENTICE A MINOR BY INTERNET OR TEXT - 3rd Degree Felony
    Offense Date and Time: June 13, 2021 at 12:06 AM
    Location: Cache County
    Plea: December 11, 2023 Guilty
    Disposition: December 11, 2023 Guilty

    Charge 6 - 76-4-401(4)(B) - ENTICE A MINOR BY INTERNET OR TEXT - 3rd Degree Felony
    Offense Date and Time: June 22, 2021 at 12:06 AM
    Location: Cache County
    Plea: May 22, 2023 Not Guilty
    Disposition: December 11, 2023 Dismissed (w/o prej)

    SENTENCE PRISON
    Based on the defendant's conviction of ENTICE A MINOR BY INTERNET OR TEXT a 3rd Degree Felony, the defendant is sentenced to an indeterminate term of not to exceed five years in the Utah State Prison.
    The prison term is suspended.
    Based on the defendant's conviction of ENTICE A MINOR BY INTERNET OR TEXT a 3rd Degree Felony, the defendant is sentenced to an indeterminate term of not to exceed five years in the Utah State Prison.
    The prison term is suspended.

    SENTENCE JAIL
    Based on the defendant's conviction of ENTICE A MINOR BY INTERNET OR TEXT a 3rd Degree Felony, the defendant is sentenced to a term of 60 day(s) in the Cache County Jail.
    Based on the defendant's conviction of ENTICE A MINOR BY INTERNET OR TEXT a 3rd Degree Felony, the defendant is sentenced to a term of 60 day(s) in the Cache County Jail.

    SENTENCE JAIL CONCURRENT/CONSECUTIVE NOTE
    Defendant's sentences are to run concurrent.
    The fine is to be paid in full by 01/22/2026.
    ORDER OF PROBATION
    The defendant is placed on probation for 24 month(s).
    Probation is to be supervised by CACHE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
    Defendant to serve 60 day(s) jail.
    Defendant is to report to the Cache County Jail.

    Defendant is to report by January 27, 2024 by 7:00.
    Defendant will enter into agreement with Probation and abide by all terms and conditions.
    Defendant is to serve 60 days in jail and is allowed to have work release if he qualifies. He is to report by01/27/2024 at 7:00 AM.
    Do not consume or possess any alcohol or drugs. Do not frequent any place where alcohol is served or consumed including bars, parties, liquor stores.
    Submit to random search and seizure.
    Submit to alcohol & drug testing and urinalysis upon request of law enforcement, probation officer or substance abuse counselor.
    Register on the Utah Sex Offender Registry and Comply with all Sex Offender Section A conditions.
    Complete a sex offender assessment and comply with recommended treatment.
    Do not possess or consume any pornographic material while
    on probation.
    No electronic devices for the first 60 days of probation.
    No contact with the victim in this case.
    Pay a court security fee in the amount of $53.00.
    Undergo mental health evaluation, complete recommended treatment, and pay all fees assessed.

    09-15-2025 Filed: Order (Proposed) Terminating Probation
    09-15-2025 Filed: Return of Electronic Notification
    10-02-2025 Filed order: Order Terminating Probation

  • 5. Cortney Ted Andrew

    • 20260506
    • Registered sex offender record
    • Utah Department of Public Safety

    Name: Cortney Ted ANDREW Registration #: 13928255
    Aliases: Cort ANDREW
    Status: Active

    Physical Description
    • Age: 41 (DOB: 10/03/1984) • Height: 6'03''
    • Sex: M • Weight: 205lbs
    • Race: White • Eyes: Brown
    • Hair: Brown
    • Scars/Tattoos:

    Address
    777 S 800 E Trenton, UT 84338
    View Map
    Other Known Addresses
    Offenses
    • Description: 76-4-401 - ENTICING A MINOR/3RD DEGREE FELONY
    • Date Convicted: 01/25/2024
    • Conviction State: Utah
    • Release Date:
    • Details: J&C states: ENTICE A MINOR BY INTERNET OR TEXT - 3rd Degree Felony
    • Counts: 2

    Name: Cortney Ted ANDREW Registration #: 13928255
    Aliases: Cort ANDREW
    Status: Active

    Other Known Addresses
    • School Addresses
    • Volunteer Addresses

    LDS Church
    400 W 1200 N
    Trenton, UT 84338
    View Map

  • 6. Cortney Ted Andrew

    • 20260506
    • Registered sex offender record
    • Offender Radar

    Status : Active

    PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

    DOB : 10/03/1984
    Age : 41
    Sex : Male
    Height : 6'03''
    Weight : 205
    Race : White
    Hair Color : Brown
    Eye Color : Brown

    OFFENSES

    Offense : 76-4-401 - ENTICING A MINOR/3RD DEGREE FELONY
    Date Convicted : 01/25/2024
    Conviction State : Utah
    Statute : 76-4-401
    Offense Details : J&C states: ENTICE A MINOR BY INTERNET OR TEXT - 3rd Degree Felony
    Offense Count : 2

    REGISTRATION DETAILS

    Collected From : Utah State Registry

    ALIAS

    Cort ANDREW

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Timeline

  • 1984
    Born

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