Daniel Aaron Willard

Daniel Aaron Willard was a Mormon in St. Charles, Missouri. According a person familiar with the case who asked to remain anonymous, Willard used the Kik messaging app in 2014 or 2015 to search for minors.

In or around August 2017, Willard began grooming a 15-year-old female from another state, using Snapchat to exchange pornographic images of himself and receive images from her, the source said. In November 2017, he made two out-of-state trips to Wisconsin to meet her. On the second visit, she was 16, and he believed this made sexual relations with her appropriate, according to the source. In December 2017, the images and details of the situation were discovered and reported to both the bishop and the police. In April 2018, he was arrested and later convicted of Possession of Child Pornography and Distributing Pornography to a Minor. While incarcerated, Willard allegedly sent his victim a 9-page love letter and a Christmas card, despite her clear desire for no contact. During court proceedings, the judge noted that Willard had misrepresented his age, claiming to be in his early 20s rather than late 20s, to deceive his victim.

Regarding the abuse, leaders in the LDS church, including bishops, were aware that Willard had struggled with what they termed a “pornography addiction” since his teenage years, according to Floodlit’s source. Over time, he was advised to read Miracle of Forgiveness, attend the church’s Addiction Recovery Program, and meet with various church counselors. Despite this, Willard held a Temple Recommend and was serving as a Sunbeam Teacher in the St. Charles Ward at the time of the crime, the source said.

When the child pornography and assault were reported to his bishop, the bishop said he would consult the church leadership on how to proceed, according to the source. Willard was eventually excommunicated, but church leaders described the decision as a “close call,” the source said. Even after his conviction, he continued to receive support from the LDS church while in jail, including visits from a church member assigned to support inmates, who also attended his trial.

Willard pleaded guilty to:

Possession Of Child Pornography – 1st Offense sentenced 4 years

Furnish Pornographic Material Or Attempt To Furnish To A Minor sentenced 1 year

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Sentenced to 65 days in jail:

Violation Of Order Of Protection For Adult
{ Misdemeanor A RSMo: 455.085 }
Date
04/11/2020
Code
455.085-002Y20175099.0
Disposition
Guilty Plea – 04/01/2022

Violation Of Order Of Protection For Adult

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Sentenced 65 days in jail

Violation Of Order Of Protection For Adult
{ Misdemeanor A RSMo: 455.085 }
Date
02/05/2021
Code
455.085-002Y20205016.0
Disposition
Guilty Plea – 04/01/2022
OCN
ML004855
Law Enforcement Agency
ST CHARLES CITY PD
{ Misdemeanor A RSMo: 455.085 }
Date
04/28/2020
Code
455.085-002Y20175099.0
Disposition
Guilty Plea – 04/01/2022
Law Enforcement Agency
ST CHARLES CITY PD