Crime: 2010s, 2020s, 
Crime city:
Cedar Hills, - Crime county:
UT - Utah,
- Crime state:
Utah,
- Convicted:
2025,
LDS positions: Missionary, - During crime: Unknown position,
- LDS mission:
United Kingdom - England 1993-1995
- Alleged:
1 victim,
- Alleged crime scenes:
Online, Perpetrator's home, Victim's home,
Criminal case(s): Convicted, Prison, Unknown result, - Alleged church actions: Unknown church action,
updated Jan 30, 2026 - request update | add info
Crime: 
Crime city:
Crime county:
Crime state:
LDS positions: 
Alleged:
Alleged crime scenes:
Criminal case(s): 
UPDATE: January 30, 2026
Brent Johnson has been sentenced to federal prison. In addition to at least 45 years in state prison, Johnson faces 48 years in federal prison.
The two prison terms are set to run concurrently, meaning at the same time. The federal judge recommended that Johnson serve his prison time in federal rather than state prison.
—
Brent Johnson was a Mormon church member who perpetrated sex crimes in the Highland / Alpine, Utah area.
In August 2025, a federal jury convicted Johnson of filming himself sexually abusing a child in 2013. Johnson will be sentenced Feb. 9, 2026.
In January 2024, a girl reported finding a USB charging wall plug in a bathroom in Cedar Hills that had a “camera-like lens” and an SD card slot, police said. When the girl tried to remove it, Johnson yelled at her to leave it alone, per court documents.
In April 2024, police executed a search warrant at the home. They located a hidden camera in the bathroom, found child sexual abuse material and seized multiple devices.
Police reported finding three videos of Johnson in 2013 where he recorded himself sexually abusing an 11-year-old child as she slept.
Johnson was charged by the State of Utah with Object Rape (1st degree), three counts of sexual abuse of a child (1st degree) and three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor (first degree). The charges were amended to three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child (1st degree). Johnson pleaded not guilty to the amended charges. The case was removed to federal court in Salt Lake City, Johnson was convicted in August 2025 by a federal jury, of charges of production and possession of child sexual abuse material.
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Sources
- Federal jury convicts Cedar Hills man of filming himself sexually abusing child in 2013,
- Utah man convicted by federal jury for child sex crimes,
- STATE OF UTAH ATTORNEY GENERAL vs. BRENT RICHARD JOHNSON,
- STATE OF UTAH ATTORNEY GENERAL vs. BRENT RICHARD JOHNSON (TRANSFERRED),
- Man serving life sentence in state court gets 48 years in federal prison for sex crimes,
- Cedar Hills Man Convicted of Child Sex Crimes, Awaits Sentencing in Salt Lake City Court,
-
1. Federal jury convicts Cedar Hills man of filming himself sexually abusing child in 2013
SALT LAKE CITY — A federal jury has convicted a Cedar Hills man of recording himself while sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl.
Brent Richard Johnson, 51, was convicted Wednesday of production and possession of child sexual abuse material.
In January 2024, a girl reported there was a USB charging wall plug in the restroom at 10024 N. Oak Road West in Cedar Hills that had a "camera-like lens" and an SD card slot, police said. When the girl would try to remove it, Johnson would yell at her to leave it, court documents state.
In April 2024, police executed a search warrant at the residence, where they seized multiple devices, located the hidden camera in the bathroom and reported discovering child sexual abuse material. Police said they found three videos of Johnson in 2013 where he was recording himself sexually abusing an 11-year-old child while she was sleeping.
Johnson was taken into custody then charged in 4th District Court with object rape of a child, three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and three counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of child, all first-degree felonies. His charges were amended, however, in October 2024 to just three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
In November 2024, he was indicted on federal charges of production and possession of child sexual abuse material, for which he was convicted this week. Johnson's sentencing for the federal conviction is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2026.
Johnson is scheduled to stand trial on the state charges beginning Oct. 21.
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2. Utah man convicted by federal jury for child sex crimes
SALT LAKE CITY — A federal jury has convicted a Cedar Hills man of recording himself while sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl.
Brent Richard Johnson, 51, was convicted Wednesday of production and possession of child sexual abuse material.
In January 2024, a girl reported there was a USB charging wall plug in the restroom at 10024 N. Oak Road West in Cedar Hills that had a "camera-like lens" and an SD card slot, police said. When the girl would try to remove it, Johnson would yell at her to leave it, court documents state.
In April 2024, police executed a search warrant at the residence, where they seized multiple devices, located the hidden camera in the bathroom and reported discovering child sexual abuse material. Police said they found three videos of Johnson in 2013 where he was recording himself sexually abusing an 11-year-old child while she was sleeping.
Johnson was taken into custody then charged in 4th District Court with object rape of a child, three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and three counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of child, all first-degree felonies. His charges were amended, however, in October 2024 to just three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
In November 2024, he was indicted on federal charges of production and possession of child sexual abuse material, for which he was convicted this week. Johnson's sentencing for the federal conviction is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2026.
Johnson is scheduled to stand trial on the state charges beginning Oct. 21.
-
3. STATE OF UTAH ATTORNEY GENERAL vs. BRENT RICHARD JOHNSON
FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT - PROVO DISTRICT COURT
UTAH COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
STATE OF UTAH ATTORNEY GENERAL vs. BRENT RICHARD JOHNSON
CASE NUMBER 241100537 State FelonyCHARGES
Charge 1 - 76-5-404.3 - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony(amended to) - 1st Degree Felony
Offense Date: August 07, 2013
Location: Utah County
Attributes: Child.
Plea: March 05, 2025 Not Guilty
Recommended Fine Amount: 25,033.00 Mandatory AppearanceCharge 2 - 76-5-404.3 - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony(amended to) - 1st Degree Felony
Offense Date: November 05, 2013
Location: Utah County
Attributes: Child.
Plea: March 05, 2025 Not Guilty
Recommended Fine Amount: 25,033.00 Mandatory AppearanceCharge 3 - 76-5-404.3 - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony(amended to) - 1st Degree Felony
Offense Date: November 05, 2013
Location: Utah County
Attributes: Child.
Plea: March 05, 2025 Not Guilty
Recommended Fine Amount: 25,033.00 Mandatory AppearanceSENTENCE PRISON
Based on the defendant's conviction of AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD a 1st Degree Felony, the defendant is sentenced to an indeterminate term of not less than fifteen years and which may be life in the Utah State Prison.Based on the defendant's conviction of AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD a 1st Degree Felony, the defendant is sentenced to an indeterminate term of not less than fifteen years and which may be life in the Utah State Prison.
Based on the defendant's conviction of AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD a 1st Degree Felony, the defendant is sentenced to an indeterminate term of not less than fifteen years and which may be life in the Utah State Prison.
To the UTAH County Sheriff: The defendant is remanded to your custody for transportation to the Utah State Prison where the defendant will be confined.
SENTENCE PRISON CONCURRENT/CONSECUTIVE NOTE
Prison term is to run consecutive to each other.
ALSO KNOWN AS (AKA) NOTE
BRENT JOHNSON
SENTENCE JAIL SERVICE NOTE
Defendant may receive credit for time served for any time Defendant served on this case only.SENTENCE PRISON CONCURRENT/CONSECUTIVE NOTE
Prison term is to run consecutive to each other -
4. STATE OF UTAH ATTORNEY GENERAL vs. BRENT RICHARD JOHNSON (TRANSFERRED)
FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT - PROVO DISTRICT COURT
UTAH COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
STATE OF UTAH ATTORNEY GENERAL vs. BRENT RICHARD JOHNSON
CASE NUMBER 241401417 State FelonyCHARGES
Charge 1 - 76-5-402.3 - OBJECT RAPE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
Offense Date: August 07, 2013
Location: Utah County
Attributes: Child. Victim Rel Unk.
Disposition: April 30, 2024 TransferredCharge 2 - 76-5-404.3(3)(3) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
Offense Date: August 07, 2013
Location: Utah County
Attributes: Child. Victim Rel Unk.
Disposition: April 30, 2024 TransferredCharge 3 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 1st Degree Felony
Offense Date: August 07, 2013
Location: Utah County
Attributes: Child. Victim Rel Unk.
Disposition: April 30, 2024 TransferredCharge 4 - 76-5-404.3(3)(3) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
Offense Date: November 05, 2013
Location: Utah County
Attributes: Child. Victim Rel Unk.
Disposition: April 30, 2024 TransferredCharge 5 - 76-5-404.3(3)(3) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
Offense Date: November 05, 2013
Location: Utah County
Attributes: Child. Victim Rel Unk.
Disposition: April 30, 2024 TransferredCharge 6 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 1st Degree Felony
Offense Date: November 05, 2013
Location: Utah County
Attributes: Child. Victim Rel Unk.
Disposition: April 30, 2024 TransferredCharge 7 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 1st Degree Felony
Offense Date: November 05, 2013
Location: Utah County
Attributes: Child. Victim Rel Unk.
Disposition: April 30, 2024 Transferred -
5. Man serving life sentence in state court gets 48 years in federal prison for sex crimes
SALT LAKE CITY — A Cedar Hills man already sentenced to at least 45 years in prison in state court for child sex crimes has now been sentenced in federal court to another 48 years behind bars.
Brent Richard Johnson, 52, was convicted by a federal jury in August for the production and possession of child sexual abuse material. He was sentenced on Jan. 12 to 30 years in prison for production of child sexual abuse material and a consecutive 18 years for the possession charge.
This prison term will run concurrent with his state prison sentence, but the judge recommended that he serve his time in federal rather than state custody. If he is still alive when his term ends, he will be placed on probation for life, court documents show.
For the state charges, Johnson was convicted by a 4th District Court jury on Oct. 23 of three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, first-degree felonies, and sentenced to three consecutive terms of 15 years to life in prison.
The investigation into Johnson began in January 2024, when a girl reported that a USB charging wall plug in the restroom at 10024 N. Oak Road West in Cedar Hills had a "camera-like lens" and an SD card slot. When the girl tried to remove it, Johnson would yell at her to leave it alone, court documents state.
In April 2024, police executed a search warrant at the address, where they seized multiple devices, located the hidden camera in the bathroom and reported discovering child sexual abuse material. Police said they found three videos of Johnson in 2013 where he was recording himself sexually abusing a 10-year-old child while the girl was sleeping.
Johnson was charged in state court with object rape of a child, three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and three counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a child, all first-degree felonies. His charges were amended, however, in October 2024, to just three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
A month later, he was indicted for the federal charges. The jury in his state trial determined that Johnson was proven to be in a position of special trust with the victim when the crime occurred.
"This 48-year sentence justly reflects the horrific harm that Johnson caused to the 10-year-old victim that he repeatedly sexually abused," said U.S. Attorney for Utah Melissa Holyoak. "There is no greater priority for my office and the Department of Justice than protecting innocent children from predators like Mr. Johnson."
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6. Cedar Hills Man Convicted of Child Sex Crimes, Awaits Sentencing in Salt Lake City Court
A Utah County man stands convicted of heinous child sex crimes, including the production and possession of child pornography, as the federal jury in Salt Lake City pronounced its verdict. Brent Richard Johnson, 51, of Cedar Hills, faced trial after evidence surfaced that he had sexually abused a 10-year-old girl and documented the crime. A search at Johnson's residence in 2024 led to the discovery of the recordings on a backup of his iPhone stored on his computer and a deceptive USB charging box camouflaged as a camera in a bathroom, the U.S. Department of Justice reported.
Details reveal that Johnson committed the crimes between August and November 2013. It wasn't until a decade later that law enforcement officials would obtain a search warrant to uncover the depth of Johnson’s offenses. The Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti, responsible for announcing the conviction, underscores the collaborative investigative efforts of the American Fork Police Department, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations in bringing Johnson to justice.
While Johnson awaits his sentencing, scheduled for February 9, 2026, those who closely track such cases can only hope that the punishment will truly reflect the severity of the offenses. Officials remind the public about Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice to aggressively combat child sexual exploitation and abuse, which has been core to developing cases like Johnson's. Visit Justice.gov/PSC to understand how federal, state, and local authorities are pooling resources to target, locate, and prosecute offenders while striving to rescue victims.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carol A. Dain and Joey L. Branch represent the prosecution in this case that continues to send shockwaves across the Utah County community and beyond. As the judicial process advances towards the sentencing phase with Judge Howard C. Nielson, Jr. presiding, many wait to see the final adjudication of Brent Richard Johnson at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. The community and those involved in the case hope to soon put behind them an episode that has surely revived painful memories and stirred fierce advocacy for the protection of the innocent.
Documents
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Criminal case documents
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Other Mormon sex abuse cases
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