Nathaniel Barker (1989 – ) pled guilty in Utah to attempted forcible sexual abuse in 2019; arrested in 2025 and charged with 35 various charges related to sexual abuse of a minor; being held without bail in Utah County Jail.
"Nathaniel admitted to being sexually attracted to children" - 2025 p.c. affidavit
"[Barker] claimed that he was sick and on a lot of prescription medications and did not remember taking photographs of [redacted] or saving them onto his computer."
— p.c. affidavit, 2019 criminal case

Nathaniel Barker is a convicted sex offender in Utah.  As of December 2025, Barker is facing new criminal charges related to child sexual abuse.

Floodlit received an initial report alerting us to Barker’s case in January 2026.  The submitter mentioned that Barker’s father was a former stake president in Arizona and a former Arizona judge.  After confirming information in the report, Floodlit believes Nathaniel Barker was likely raised in the Mormon church.  We have decided to make this case report in an effort to provide accurate information about Barker’s criminal cases and to seek further information about his possible involvement in the Mormon church.  If you have any information regarding Barker’s LDS church membership history, please contact Floodlit.

2019: Nathaniel Barker Criminal Case #1

In 2019, Barker pled guilty to ATTEMPTED FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE.  According to the p.c. affidavit, Barker took CSAM photos of a 7 -year-old girl, which were found on his computer, by a family member.  When interviewed by the police, Barker “claimed that he was sick and on a lot of prescription medications and did not remember taking photographs of [redacted] or saving them onto his computer.”

Barker received a suspended prison sentence of up to five years.  In addition, Barker received a jail sentence of 364 days, with 304 days being suspended and 48 months probation.

2025: Nathaniel Barker Criminal Case #2

On Dec. 23, 2025, Barker was arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse and child exploitation. As of January 12, 2026, Barker is being held without bail.  He is currently being charged with 35 various charges related to child sex abuse.  According to the p.c. affidavit, Barker allegedly abused a 13-year-old girl many times over a period of at least two years and paid her with vapes, money and marijuana.  “Nathaniel admitted to being sexually attracted to children. Nathaniel also stated that he had employed the victim and was left alone with her” according to the p.c. affidavit.

A relative of the victim wrote a letter to the judge requesting no bail be allowed because Barker is ex-military and they feared retaliation as well as him fleeing to family in Arizona and to “make a plan to disappear completely”.

A protective order has been issued against Barker, to protect the victim.

There is a preliminary hearing for Barker Jan 20, 2026

 

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Sources

  1. STATE OF UTAH vs. NATHANIEL S BARKER, Utah Xchange Court, June 21, 2019.
  2. STATE OF UTAH vs. NATHANIEL STRUNK BARKER, Utah Xchange Court, December 29, 2025.
  3. Nathaniel S. Barker, Offender Radar, January 12, 2026.
  4. Sex offender charged for sexually abusing and exploiting child, ‘paying’ her with vapes and money , ABC 4, December 29, 2025.

  • 1. STATE OF UTAH vs. NATHANIEL S BARKER

    • 20190621
    • Court record
    • Utah Xchange Court

    THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT - SALT LAKE COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
    SALT LAKE COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
    STATE OF UTAH vs. NATHANIEL S BARKER
    CASE NUMBER 191402631 State Felony

    CHARGES

    Charge 1 - 76-5-404 - ATTEMPTED - FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE - 2nd Degree Felony(amended to) - 3rd Degree Felony
    Offense Date: January 01, 2018
    Location: SALT LAKE COUNTY
    Plea: January 02, 2020 Guilty
    Disposition: January 02, 2020 Guilty

    SENTENCE PRISON
    Based on the defendant's conviction of ATTEMPTED FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE 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 ATTEMPTED FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE a 3rd Degree Felony, the defendant is sentenced to a term of 364 day(s) in the Salt Lake County Jail. The total time suspended for this charge is 304 day(s).

    ORDER OF PROBATION
    The defendant is placed on probation for 48 month(s).
    Probation is to be supervised by Adult Probation and Parole.
    Defendant to serve 60 day(s) jail.
    Defendant is to report to the Salt Lake County Jail.

  • 2. STATE OF UTAH vs. NATHANIEL STRUNK BARKER

    • 20251229
    • Court record
    • Utah Xchange Court

    FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT - PROVO DISTRICT COURT
    UTAH COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
    STATE OF UTAH vs. NATHANIEL STRUNK BARKER
    CASE NUMBER 251405115 State Felony

    CHARGES

    Charge 1 - 76-5B-201.1(2)+(3A) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR -1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 2 - 76-5-404.3 - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 3 - 76-4-206 - CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR - Class B Misdemeanor
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 4 - 76-4-206 - CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR - Class B Misdemeanor
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 5 - 76-5-308.5 - HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 6 - 76-5B-201.1(2)+(3A) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR -1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 7 - 76-5B-201.1(2)+(3A) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR -1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 8 - 76-5B-201.1(2)+(3A) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR -1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance
    01-12-2026 02:12 PM Page 1 of 7

    Charge 9 - 76-5-404.3 - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 10 - 76-5-403.1 - ATTEMPTED - SODOMY ON A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 11 - 76-5-404.3 - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 12 - 76-5-308.5 - HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 13 - 76-4-206 - CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR - Class B Misdemeanor
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 14 - 76-5-404.3 - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 15 - 76-5-308.5 - HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 16 - 76-4-206 - CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR - Class B Misdemeanor
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 17 - 76-4-206 - CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR - Class B Misdemeanor
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 18 - 76-5-404.3 - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance
    01-12-2026 02:12 PM Page 2 of
    CASE NUMBER: 251405115 State Felony7

    Charge 19 - 76-5-403.1 - SODOMY ON A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 20 - 76-5B-201.1(2)+(3A) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR -1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 21 - 76-4-206 - CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR - Class B Misdemeanor
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 22 - 76-5-308.5 - HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 23 - 76-5-404.3 - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 24 - 76-5-402.3 - OBJECT RAPE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 25 - 76-5-308.5 - HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 26 - 76-5-308.5 - HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 27 - 76-5B-201.1(2)+(3A) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR -1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 28 - 76-5B-201.1(2)+(3A) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR -1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance
    01-12-2026 02:12 PM Page 3 of
    CASE NUMBER: 251405115 State Felony7

    Charge 29 - 76-5-402.3 - OBJECT RAPE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 30 - 76-5B-201.1(2)+(3A) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR -1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 31 - 76-5-404.3 - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 32 - 76-5B-201.1(2)+(3A) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR -1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 33 - 76-5-403.1 - SODOMY ON A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 34 - 76-5B-201.1(2)+(3A) - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR -1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

    Charge 35 - 76-5-404.3 - AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD - 1st Degree Felony
    Offense Date: November 01, 2023
    Location: Orem (N & NW) 84057
    Mandatory Appearance

  • 3. Nathaniel S. Barker

    • 20260112
    • Registered sex offender record
    • Offender Radar

    Status : Active

    PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

    DOB : 03/19/1989
    Age : 36
    Sex : Male
    Height : 6'00''
    Weight : 170
    Race : Asian or Pac. Isl.
    Hair Color : Black
    Eye Color : Brown
    Scars & Tattoos:
    Tattoo on Chest (HONOR LOYALTY PATIENCE IN CHINESE
    left breast)
    Tattoo on Back (LOYALTY JUSTICE HONOR CODE WRITINGS IN CHINESE)
    Scar on L_forearm (SEVERAL CUT SCARS)
    Scar on Upper_L_Arm (SLICE MARK BICEP)
    Scar on R_Foot (BURN SCARS ON TOP OF FOOT)

    OFFENSES

    Offense : 76-5-404 - FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE-ATTEMPTED/3RD DEGREE FELONY (attempted)
    Date Convicted : 10/20/2020
    Conviction State : Utah
    Statute : 76-5-404
    Offense Count : 1

    REGISTRATION DETAILS

    Collected From : Utah State Registry

    ALIAS

    Nate BARKER
    Nathan BARKER
    Nathaniel BARKER
    Nathaniel Strunk BARKER

  • 4. Sex offender charged for sexually abusing and exploiting child, ‘paying’ her with vapes and money

    • 20251229
    • News article
    • ABC 4

    OREM, Utah (ABC4) — A sex offender has been charged with dozens of felonies after allegedly sexually abusing his fiancée’s minor cousin, giving her vapes and money in exchange.

    The 36-year-old West Valley City man, whom ABC4 is not identifying to protect the victim’s identity, is charged with the following:

    10 counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor (first-degree felony)
    Eight counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor (first-degree felony)
    Six counts of human trafficking of a child (first-degree felony)
    Three counts of sodomy on a child, one only “attempted” (first-degree felony)
    Two counts of object rape of a child (first-degree felony)
    Six counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Class B misdemeanor)

    Man arrested for assaulting police officers with golf clubs in Cedar City

    On Dec. 15, a mother and her 14-year-old daughter went to the Orem Police Department to report that an adult man had been sexually abusing the teen for several years. The victim had just turned 14, and the abuse had occurred while she was between 11 and 13 years old.

    During a forensic interview at the Children’s Justice Center, the minor victim explained the years-long sexual abuse. She stated that it started on Thanksgiving in 2023 at her mother’s home in Orem.

    The victim, who was 11 years old at the time, was left alone with her cousin’s fiancé. He allegedly asked to take pictures of her, which started normally, but he then asked the victim to lift her clothing. The victim explained she felt that she “could not say no” because she’d already agreed.

    While taking pictures, the man touched her inappropriately, then brought her outside and gave her vapes. He made a sexual comment toward the minor.

    A similar incident would happen the following year, when her cousin’s fiancé asked to take explicit pictures of the victim. In exchange, he gave the minor new headphones and vapes. He also allegedly made her touch his genitals.
    How to make ABC4 your preferred news source on Google

    This year, the victim explained, she refused to go to Thanksgiving because she knew her cousin’s fiancé would be there. However, while her mother was at the Thanksgiving celebration, he spoke with her and asked her if the victim would do a cleaning job at his house.

    The victim was earning money for a hobby and agreed to do the cleaning job. When the agreement was made, documents say, it was believed that she would not be alone in the house with her cousin’s fiancé, and her cousin would be there the whole time.

    When the underage victim began the cleaning job, she found that her cousin came and went throughout the day, and she was left alone with her fiancé. While they were alone, he offered her money to perform sexual acts and gave her vapes when she did.

    Over the next few weekends, he began escalating what he was asking her to do and how much he was paying her. The 13-year-old stated that he took explicit pictures of her, and he began touching her sexually. The victim began collecting evidence of the sexual abuse, noting how much he paid her and saving text messages that hinted at the acts.
    New Utah law requires ID verification for all alcohol purchases

    On Dec. 23, police served a search warrant on the 36-year-old’s residence. They located “many vapes” and some evidence mentioned by the victim during her interview. He initially declined to speak with officers, but then agreed to.

    He stated that he had employed the underage victim, and she had been working several hours a week for him. The 36-year-old denied the sexual abuse, but documents say he eventually “said he wanted to tell [police] the truth… but wanted to talk to his parents first, and maybe a lawyer.”

    The 36-year-old was arrested and booked into the Utah County Jail, where he is being held without bail. Documents say he is a registered sex offender who was previously charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and convicted of forcible sexual abuse.

Documents

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Criminal case documents

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Timeline

  • 1989
    Born

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Other Mormon sex abuse cases

    • Geoffrey Powell (1947 – ) was an LDS bishop in Western Australia; accused of sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl in his ward; the alleged abuse took place while he was a bishop; the victim twice complained to the LDS church, but said she was not believed and was chastised, and it was suggested she should move away if she felt uncomfortable; in 2019, he was sentenced to 12 months in jail
    • View report »
    • Larry Deutsch (1966 – ) was a Mormon bishop in Missouri; arrested in 2020 and charged with possession of child pornography (child sexual abuse material, or CSAM) and accused of luring an underage teenager from Arizona to Missouri; pleaded guilty; sentenced in 2021 to 12 years in federal prison plus a lifetime of supervised release; in 2024, the victim filed a civil lawsuit against the LDS church
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