was a Mormon missionary in Saratoga Springs, Utah; arrested in May 2024 on suspicion of sexual assault; charged with three first-degree felony counts (two of forcible sodomy, one of rape); charges were dismissed without prejudice in June 2024

Case report

Abraham Cruz (Elder Cruz) was an LDS missionary in Saratoga Springs, Utah.

On May 11, 2024, he was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a young woman.

On May 15, Cruz was charged with three first-degree felony counts (two of forcible sodomy, one of rape).

As of May 15, Cruz was being held without bail.

As of June 2, 2024, the defendant was being held without bail at the Utah County Jail.

The LDS church issued the following statement in response to KUTV’s request for information:

“This individual was immediately removed from his volunteer missionary service as soon as the Church learned of these very serious and troubling allegations. The Church is cooperating fully with law enforcement in this investigation. Missionaries are expected to abide by the highest standards, and those who do not will be released and sent home, and in situations involving criminal allegations, also face loss of Church membership.”

In June 2024, the charges were dismissed without prejudice.

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Case facts

Case information sources

  1. Missionary serving in Utah County arrested on charge of rape
    view source details | 14 May 2024 | KUTV
  2. Latter-day Saint missionary serving in Utah arrested on suspicion of rape
    view source details | 14 May 2024 | Salt Lake Tribune

Case information source details

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