Alex Leonard Saunders

Sources

1. STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS/CASE NUMBER 241404075 State Felony/ONGOING, Xchange Utah Court, November 25, 2024.
2. STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS /CASE NUMBER 251402579 State Felony/ ONGOING, Xchange Utah Court, July 9, 2025.
3. STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS/ CASE NUMBER 251402870 State Felony/ONGOING, Xchange Utah Courts, July 30, 2025.
4. STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS/ CASE NUMBER 251404297 State Felony/ ONGOING, Xchange Utah Courts, November 3, 2025.
5. STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS/ CASE NUMBER 261901749 State Felony/ ONGOING, Xchange Utah Courts, February 10, 2026.
6. Payson man charged with third sexual abuse case, two victims were underage teens, ABC4, July 31, 2025.
7. Payson man allegedly sexually abused 14-year-old in church parking lot, ABC 4, July 10, 2025.
8. ayson man charged with third sexual abuse case, two victims were underage teens, MSN, July 31, 2025.

• 1. STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS/CASE NUMBER 241404075 State Felony/ONGOING

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  FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT - PROVO DISTRICT COURT
  UTAH COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
  STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS
  CASE NUMBER 241404075 State Felony

  CHARGES

  Charge 1 - 76-5-402 - RAPE - 1st Degree Felony
  Offense Date: November 14, 2024
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Plea: April 30, 2025 Not Guilty
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 2 - 76-5-402.2 - OBJECT RAPE - 1st Degree Felony
  Offense Date: November 14, 2024
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Plea: April 30, 2025 Not Guilty
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 3 - 76-5-404(2)+(3A) - FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: November 19, 2024
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Plea: April 30, 2025 Not Guilty
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 4 - 76-5-404(2)+(3A) - FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: November 19, 2024
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Plea: April 30, 2025 Not Guilty
  Mandatory Appearance

  01-06-2026 Minute Entry - PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
  Judge: SHAWN R HOWELL
  PRESENT
  Clerk: alexacm
  Prosecutor: POWELL, CRYSTAL
  Defendant Present
  The defendant is in the custody of the Utah County Jail

  02-17-2026 (IP) 412 HEARING scheduled on March 04, 2026 at 09:00 AM in 7thFl, Courtroom 7B with Judge SHAWN R HOWELL
  02-17-2026 Minute Entry - PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
  Judge: SHAWN R HOWELL
  PRESENT
  Clerk: carsonw
  Prosecutor: POWELL, CRYSTAL
  Defendant Present
  The defendant is in the custody of the Utah County Jail
  Defendant's Attorney(s): MCCARTY, TASHA
  Audio
  Tape Number: 7B FTR/WBX Tape Count: 9:53-9:57
  HEARING
  03-03-2026 03:37 PM Page 18 of
  CASE NUMBER: 241404075 State Felony19

  02-17-2026 Filed: Motion Stipulated Motion to View Photos
  Filed by: ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS
  02-17-2026 Filed: Order (Proposed) RE: Stipulated Motion to View Photos
  02-17-2026 Filed: Return of Electronic Notification
  02-17-2026 Filed: Appearance of Counsel/Notice of Limited Appearance Notice of Appearance for Crime Victim
  02-17-2026 Filed: Return of Electronic Notification
  02-17-2026 Filed order: Order RE: Stipulated Motion to View Photos
  Judge SHAWN R HOWELL
  Signed February 17, 2026
  02-17-2026 Filed: Return of Electronic Notification
  02-18-2026 Filed: Return of Electronic Notification
  02-20-2026 Filed: Memorandum Victim s Opposition to Defendant s 412 Motion

• 2. STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS /CASE NUMBER 251402579 State Felony/ ONGOING

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  FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT - PROVO DISTRICT COURT
  UTAH COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
  STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS
  CASE NUMBER 251402579 State Felony

  CHARGES

  Charge 1 - 76-5-404(2)+(3A) - FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: July 02, 2023
  Location: Payson 84651
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 2 - 76-5-402.2 - OBJECT RAPE - 1st Degree Felony
  Offense Date: July 02, 2023
  Location: Payson 84651
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 3 - 76-5-404(2)+(3A) - FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: July 02, 2023
  Location: Payson 84651
  Mandatory Appearance

  02-17-2026 Continued: WEBEX WAIVER HEARING scheduled on March 04, 2026 at09:30 AM in 7th Fl, Courtroom 7B with Judge SHAWN R HOWELL
  02-17-2026 Modified: WEBEX WAIVER HEARING scheduled on March 04, 2026 at09:00 AM in 7th Fl, Courtroom 7B with Judge SHAWN R HOWELL
  02-17-2026 Modified: (IP) WAIVER HEARING scheduled on March 04, 2026 at09:00 AM in 7th Fl, Courtroom 7B with Judge SHAWN R HOWELL
  02-17-2026 Minute Entry - WAIVER CONTINUANCE
  Judge: SHAWN R HOWELL
  PRESENT
  Clerk: carsonw
  Prosecutor: POWELL, CRYSTAL
  Defendant Present
  The defendant is in the custody of the Utah County Jail
  Defendant's Attorney(s): MCCARTY, TASHA
  Audio
  Tape Number: 7B FTR/WBX Tape Count: 9:53-9:57
  CONTINUANCE
  Whose Motion: The Defendant's counsel TASHA MCCARTY.
  Reason for continuance:
  Counsel's request.
  The motion is granted.
  In-person Appearance
  (IP) WAIVER HEARING is scheduled.
  Date: 03/04/2026
  Time: 09:00 a.m.
  Location: 7th Fl, Courtroom 7B
  Before Judge: SHAWN R HOWELL
  FOURTH DISTRICT COURT
  137 N FREEDOM BLVD
  PROVO, UT 84601

• 3. STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS/ CASE NUMBER 251402870 State Felony/ONGOING

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  FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT - PROVO DISTRICT COURT
  UTAH COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
  STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS
  CASE NUMBER 251402870 State Felony

  CHARGES

  Charge 1 - 76-5-404(2)+(3A) - FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: March 10, 2024
  Location: Spanish Fork 84660
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 2 - 76-5-404(2)+(3A) - FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: March 10, 2024
  Location: Spanish Fork 84660
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 3 - 76-5-404(2)+(3A) - FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: March 10, 2024
  Location: Spanish Fork 84660
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 4 - 76-5-404(2)+(3A) - ATTEMPTED - FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE - 3rd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: March 10, 2024
  Location: Spanish Fork 84660
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 5 - 76-5-404(2)+(3A) - ATTEMPTED - FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE - 3rd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: March 10, 2024
  Location: Spanish Fork 84660
  Mandatory Appearance

  01-23-2026 Continued: WEBEX WAIVER HEARING scheduled on February 17, 2026at 09:30 AM in 7th Fl, Courtroom 7B with Judge SHAWN R HOWELL
  01-23-2026 Minute Entry - CONTINUANCE
  Judge: SHAWN R HOWELL
  PRESENT
  Clerk: kellyl
  Prosecutor: POWELL, CRYSTAL
  Defendant Present
  The defendant is in the custody of the Utah County Jail
  Defendant's Attorney(s): MCCARTY, TASHA
  Audio
  Tape Number: 7B FTR Tape Count: 9:28-10:18

  02-17-2026 Minute Entry - WAIVER CONTINUANCE
  Judge: SHAWN R HOWELL
  PRESENT
  Clerk: carsonw
  Prosecutor: POWELL, CRYSTAL
  Defendant Present
  The defendant is in the custody of the Utah County Jail
  Defendant's Attorney(s): MCCARTY, TASHA
  Audio
  Tape Number: 7B FTR/WBX Tape Count: 9:53-9:57
  CONTINUANCE
  Whose Motion: The Defendant's counsel TASHA MCCARTY.
  Reason for continuance:
  Counsel's request.
  The motion is granted.
  In-person Appearance
  03-03-2026 03:49 PM Page 8 of
  CASE NUMBER: 251402870 State Felony9
  (IP) WAIVER HEARING is scheduled.
  Date: 03/04/2026
  Time: 09:00 a.m

• 4. STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS/ CASE NUMBER 251404297 State Felony/ ONGOING

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  FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT - PROVO DISTRICT COURT
  UTAH COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
  STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS
  CASE NUMBER 251404297 State Felony

  CHARGES

  Charge 1 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: August 14, 2025
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 2 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: August 14, 2025
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 3 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: August 14, 2025
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 4 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: August 14, 2025
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 5 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: August 14, 2025
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 6 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: August 14, 2025
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 7 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: August 14, 2025
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 8 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: August 14, 2025
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 9 - 76-5B-204(2A)+(3AI) - SEXUAL EXTORTION - 3rd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: July 15, 2023
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance
  03-03-2026 03:53 PM Page 1 of 7

  Charge 10 - 76-5C-205(2)+(3BI) - DISTRIBUTE MATERIAL HARMFUL TO MINOR - ACTOR18+YRS - 3rd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: May 01, 2023
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance
  Charge Subject To Minimum Mandatory Sentence

  Charge 11 - 76-5C-205(2)+(3BI) - DISTRIBUTE MATERIAL HARMFUL TO MINOR - ACTOR18+YRS - 3rd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: May 01, 2023
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance
  Charge Subject To Minimum Mandatory Sentence

  Charge 12 - 76-5C-205(2)+(3BI) - DISTRIBUTE MATERIAL HARMFUL TO MINOR - ACTOR18+YRS - 3rd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: May 01, 2023
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance
  Charge Subject To Minimum Mandatory Sentence

  Charge 13 - 76-5-417(2)+(3AI) - ENTICING A MINOR - FIRST DEGREE FELONY SEXUAL ACTIVITY - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: April 23, 2023
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 14 - 76-5-417(2)+(3AI) - ENTICING A MINOR - FIRST DEGREE FELONY SEXUAL ACTIVITY - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: April 22, 2023
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 15 - 76-5-417(2)+(3AI) - ENTICING A MINOR - FIRST DEGREE FELONY SEXUAL ACTIVITY - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: April 22, 2023
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 16 - 76-5-417(2)+(3AI) - ENTICING A MINOR - FIRST DEGREE FELONY SEXUAL ACTIVITY - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: April 22, 2023
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 17 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: April 22, 2023
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 18 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: March 01, 2023
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance
  03-03-2026 03:53 PM Page 2 of
  CASE NUMBER: 251404297 State Felony7

  Charge 19 - 76-5C-205(2)+(3BI) - DISTRIBUTE MATERIAL HARMFUL TO MINOR - ACTOR18+YRS - 3rd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: March 01, 2023
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance
  Charge Subject To Minimum Mandatory Sentence

  Charge 20 - 76-5-417(2)+(3AI) - ENTICING A MINOR - FIRST DEGREE FELONY SEXUAL ACTIVITY - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: August 14, 2025
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 21 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: March 01, 2023
  Location: Santaquin 84655
  Mandatory Appearance

  01-23-2026 Continued: WEBEX WAIVER HEARING scheduled on February 17, 2026at 09:30 AM in 7th Fl, Courtroom 7B with Judge SHAWN R HOWELL
  01-23-2026 Minute Entry - CONTINUANCE
  Judge: SHAWN R HOWELL
  PRESENT
  Clerk: kellyl
  Prosecutor: POWELL, CRYSTAL
  Defendant Present
  The defendant is in the custody of the Utah County Jail
  Defendant's Attorney(s): MCCARTY, TASHA
  Audio
  Tape Number: 7B FTR Tape Count: 9:28-10:18
  CONTINUANCE
  Whose Motion: The Stipulation of counsel.
  Reason for continuance:
  Counsel's request.
  The motion is granted.
  Remote Appearance
  WEBEX WAIVER HEARING is scheduled.
  Date: 02/17/2026
  Time: 09:30 a.m.

  02-17-2026 Continued: (IP) WAIVER HEARING scheduled on March 04, 2026 at09:00 AM in 7th Fl, Courtroom 7B with Judge SHAWN R HOWELL
  02-17-2026 Minute Entry - WAIVER CONTINUANCE
  Judge: SHAWN R HOWELL
  PRESENT
  Clerk: carsonw
  Prosecutor: POWELL, CRYSTAL
  Defendant Present
  The defendant is in the custody of the Utah County Jail
  Defendant's Attorney(s): MCCARTY, TASHA
  Audio
  Tape Number: 7B FTR/WBX Tape Count: 9:53-9:57
  CONTINUANCE
  Whose Motion: The Defendant's counsel TASHA MCCARTY.

  Reason for continuance:
  Counsel's request.
  The motion is granted.
  In-person Appearance
  (IP) WAIVER HEARING is scheduled.
  Date: 03/04/2026
  Time: 09:00 a.m.
  Location: 7th Fl, Courtroom 7B
  Before Judge: SHAWN R HOWELL
  FOURTH DISTRICT COURT
  137 N FREEDOM BLVD
  PROVO, UT 84601
  UCJA Rule 4-401.02: court proceedings, including electro

• 5. STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS/ CASE NUMBER 261901749 State Felony/ ONGOING

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  THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT - SALT LAKE COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
  SALT LAKE COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
  STATE OF UTAH vs. ALEX LEONARD SAUNDERS
  CASE NUMBER 261901749 State Felony

  CHARGES

  Charge 1 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: January 24, 2024
  Location: Salt Lake County
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 2 - 76-5B-201 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR - 2nd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: January 24, 2024
  Location: Salt Lake County
  Mandatory Appearance

  Charge 3 - 76-10-1206(1) - DEALING IN MATERIALS HARMFUL TO MINOR - 3rd Degree Felony
  Offense Date: January 24, 2024
  Location: Salt Lake County
  Mandatory Appearance
  Charge Subject To Minimum Mandatory Sentence

  02-17-2026 Minute Entry - INITIAL APPEARANCE
  Commissioner: OLSEN, TODD
  03-03-2026 03:55 PM Page 3 of
  CASE NUMBER: 261901749 State Felony6
  PRESENT
  Clerk: kyram
  Prosecutor: ROSS III, CLIFFORD
  Defendant Present
  The defendant is in the custody of the Utah County Jail
  Sheriff Office#: NONE
  Audio
  Tape Number: S31 Tape Count: 8:28
  INITIAL APPEARANCE
  A copy of the Information is given to the defendant.
  Defendant waives reading of Information.
  HEARING
  A NO CONTACT protective order was signed upon the defendanttoday in open court. Defendant will receive a copy of thispaperwork in jail.
  The defendant does not know who the protected party is andis ordered not to make any efforts to learn who that personis. He is ordered not to look them up on social media or toask friends or family to contact them for him.
  To comply with BCI mandates, the State is requesting anorder from the court ordering the State to provide any BCIprotected material to the defense, including thedefendant's criminal history (RAP sheet). Request isgranted.
  The Court was unable to get the defendant's physicalcharacteristics due to his custody status in the UtahCounty Jail.
  APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL
  Court finds the defendant indigent and appoints Salt LakeLegal Defenders to represent the defendant.
  Appointed Counsel:
  Name: Salt Lake Legal Defenders
  Address: 275 East 200 South
  City: Salt Lake City UT 84111
  Phone: 801-532-5444
  Affidavit of indigency is to be submitted by the defendant
  In-person Appearance
  SCHEDULING CONF 1/UTAH CO is scheduled.
  Date: 02/27/2026
  Time: 09:00 a.m.
  Location: THIRD FLOOR - W39
  Before Judge: TODD M SHAUGHNESSY
  THIRD DISTRICT COURT
  450 SOUTH STATE STREET
  SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-1860

  CUSTODY
  The defendant is remanded to the custody of the Utah CountyJail.

  02-27-2026 Minute Entry - SCHEDULING CONFERENCE 1
  Judge: TODD M SHAUGHNESSY
  PRESENT
  Clerk: anniej
  Prosecutor: DUNKELMAN, CARA
  Defendant Present
  The defendant is not in custody
  Defendant's Attorney(s): SAKALLA, HANNAH
  Sheriff Office#: NONE
  Audio
  Tape Number: W39 Tape Count: 9:28-9:29
  HEARING
  This hearing is being held in a hybrid setting, bothvirtually over WebEx and in person and is recorded on bothFor The Record and WebEx.
  Defense counsel requests a continuance. State does notobject. Continuance is granted.
  In-person Appearance
  SCHEDULING CONFERENCE 2 is scheduled.
  Date: 04/03/2026
  Time: 09:00 a.m.
  Location: FOURTH FLOOR-W43
  Before Judge: TERESA WELCH
  THIRD DISTRICT COURT
  450 SOUTH STATE STREET
  SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-1860

• 6. Payson man charged with third sexual abuse case, two victims were underage teens

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  UTAH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — A Payson man has been charged in three separate rape and/or sexual assault cases that took place in Utah County. The assaults all allegedly occurred during 2023 and 2024, and two of the victims were underage teenagers.

  Alex Leonard Saunders, 21, is facing 12 felony charges across the three cases. In total, Saunders has been charged with one count of rape, a first-degree felony; two counts of object rape, a first-degree felony; seven counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony; and two counts of attempted forcible sexual abuse, a third-degree felony.

  PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Payson man allegedly sexually abused 14-year-old in church parking lot
  First sexual abuse case

  Saunders was first arrested on Nov. 21, 2024, by the Santaquin Police Department. According to court documents, on Nov. 19, 2024, officers were dispatched to a report of a rape that occurred near a park in Santaquin.

  When police arrived, they located a female victim who was crying and shaking. She was transported to the hospital for a sexual assault exam. The victim explained to officers that Saunders had picked her up and the two had parked at a trailhead. They were making out in the vehicle when Saunders allegedly began removing his clothing and attempting to remove the victim’s.

  According to court documents, the victim began protesting and told Saunders to stop multiple times. Saunders then forced the victim to engage in sexual relations, causing her injuries and ignoring her requests to stop. Afterwards, the victim asked Saunders to drop her off at a local park, where she contacted police.

  Two days later, on Nov. 21, a Santaquin police officer located Saunders riding a bike near his residence and took him into custody. Documents indicate that Saunders refused a police interview and requested to speak with his attorney. He was charged with rape, object rape, and two counts of forcible sexual abuse on Nov. 25, 2024.
  READ NEXT: Eagle Mountain man arrested for CSAM, said he fantasized about kidnapping children: Sheriff’s Office
  Second sexual abuse case

  In July 2025, while still in jail on his initial charges, the Payson Police Department was made aware of a sexual assault that had occurred two years prior involving Saunders. According to police, on July 2, 2023, Saunders met up with a 14-year-old girl he had been messaging on Snapchat.

  The 14-year-old clarified that she just wanted to spend time with him and “didn’t want anything sexual to happen.” Saunders picked up the 14-year-old victim from her home. She asked if he wanted to go to the sports park, but he responded that “people didn’t like him there” and instead allegedly took the underage victim to a church parking lot.

  Saunders began touching the 14-year-old inappropriately despite her trying to stop him. The juvenile victim told police that he eventually stopped touching her but then began asking her to perform sexual acts on him. Despite her refusals, Saunders allegedly forced the underage girl to perform a sexual act on him.

  The Utah County Attorney’s Office charged Saunders with two counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape for this sexual assault.
  UTAH COUNTY: Orem man charged after meeting and allegedly sexually abusing 12-year-old he met online
  Third sexual abuse case

  Earlier this week, on July 30, Saunders was charged in connection with another forcible sexual abuse case, brought to the Utah County Attorney’s Office by the Spanish Fork Police Department. According to documents, he was involved with a 16-year-old female victim.

  Saunders allegedly took the underage teen on a date to the movie theater in Spanish Fork in March 2024. While they were there, he began putting his hand under the victim’s clothes and touching her. The victim told police that she repeatedly asked him to stop, but he ignored her and continued touching her inappropriately.

  The victim stopped Saunders and moved his hands away multiple times, but he would continue going back to what he was doing. He allegedly told the victim that he “should have stopped” but that she was “asking for it.”

  For this sexual assault, Saunders was charged with three counts of forcible sexual abuse and two counts of attempted forcible sexual abuse.

  Saunders has been in the Utah County Jail, being held without bail, since his initial arrest on Nov. 21, 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges involved in his Santaquin case, and prosecutors are working toward scheduling a trial. Saunders has an initial appearance for his most recent case on Aug. 20.

• 7. Payson man allegedly sexually abused 14-year-old in church parking lot

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  PAYSON, Utah (ABC4) — A 20-year-old man is facing charges involving the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old in 2023.

  Alex Leonard Saunders, 20, has been charged with two counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape.

  According to documents, on July 2, 2023, Saunders was in communication with a 14-year-old girl on Snapchat. Saunders and the juvenile victim made plans to spend time together, and the 14-year-old clarified that she just wanted to spend time with him and “didn’t want anything sexual to happen.”

  Saunders agreed with this plan and picked up the 14-year-old victim from her home. She asked if he wanted to go to the sports park, but he responded that “people didn’t like him there” and instead allegedly took the underage victim to a church parking lot.

  When they parked, Saunders told the 14-year-old that they were just going to sit and talk in his car. The juvenile victim told police that soon after arriving, Saunders began touching her inappropriately.

  The 14-year-old victim told Saunders she didn’t want to do anything, to which he allegedly replied, “It’s fine, you’re safe with me.” The underage girl reiterated that she did not consent and told him she did not want to do anything with him and tried to pull him away from her.

  Saunders continued touching the 14-year-old inappropriately despite her trying to stop him. The juvenile victim told police that he eventually stopped touching her, but then began asking her to perform sexual acts on him.

  He asked her twice to do something to him, but she refused and told him she wanted to go home. Despite her refusals, Saunders allegedly forced the underage girl to perform a sexual act on him.

  Saunders was previously booked into the Utah County Jail for another rape and sexual abuse case that left that victim with several injuries. He has been in custody since November 2024, and is being held without bail.

• 8. ayson man charged with third sexual abuse case, two victims were underage teens

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  UTAH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — A Payson man has been charged in three separate rape and/or sexual assault cases that took place in Utah County. The assaults all allegedly occurred during 2023 and 2024, and two of the victims were underage teenagers.

  Alex Leonard Saunders, 21, is facing 12 felony charges across the three cases. In total, Saunders has been charged with one count of rape, a first-degree felony; two counts of object rape, a first-degree felony; seven counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony; and two counts of attempted forcible sexual abuse, a third-degree felony.
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  First sexual abuse case

  Saunders was first arrested on Nov. 21, 2024, by the Santaquin Police Department. According to court documents, on Nov. 19, 2024, officers were dispatched to a report of a rape that occurred near a park in Santaquin.

  When police arrived, they located a female victim who was crying and shaking. She was transported to the hospital for a sexual assault exam. The victim explained to officers that Saunders had picked her up and the two had parked at a trailhead. They were making out in the vehicle when Saunders allegedly began removing his clothing and attempting to remove the victim’s.

  According to court documents, the victim began protesting and told Saunders to stop multiple times. Saunders then forced the victim to engage in sexual relations, causing her injuries and ignoring her requests to stop. Afterwards, the victim asked Saunders to drop her off at a local park, where she contacted police.

  Two days later, on Nov. 21, a Santaquin police officer located Saunders riding a bike near his residence and took him into custody. Documents indicate that Saunders refused a police interview and requested to speak with his attorney. He was charged with rape, object rape, and two counts of forcible sexual abuse on Nov. 25, 2024.

  Second sexual abuse case

  In July 2025, while still in jail on his initial charges, the Payson Police Department was made aware of a sexual assault that had occurred two years prior involving Saunders. According to police, on July 2, 2023, Saunders met up with a 14-year-old girl he had been messaging on Snapchat.

  The 14-year-old clarified that she just wanted to spend time with him and “didn’t want anything sexual to happen.” Saunders picked up the 14-year-old victim from her home. She asked if he wanted to go to the sports park, but he responded that “people didn’t like him there” and instead allegedly took the underage victim to a church parking lot.

  Saunders began touching the 14-year-old inappropriately despite her trying to stop him. The juvenile victim told police that he eventually stopped touching her but then began asking her to perform sexual acts on him. Despite her refusals, Saunders allegedly forced the underage girl to perform a sexual act on him.

  The Utah County Attorney’s Office charged Saunders with two counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape for this sexual assault.
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  Third sexual abuse case

  Earlier this week, on July 30, Saunders was charged in connection with another forcible sexual abuse case, brought to the Utah County Attorney’s Office by the Spanish Fork Police Department. According to documents, he was involved with a 16-year-old female victim.

  Saunders allegedly took the underage teen on a date to the movie theater in Spanish Fork. While they were there, he began putting his hand under the victim’s clothes and touching her. The victim told police that she repeatedly asked him to stop, but he ignored her and continued touching her inappropriately.

  The victim stopped Saunders and moved his hands away multiple times, but he would continue going back to what he was doing. He allegedly told the victim that he “should have stopped” but that she was “asking for it.”

  For this sexual assault, Saunders was charged with three counts of forcible sexual abuse and three counts of attempted forcible sexual abuse.

  Saunders has been in the Utah County Jail, being held without bail, since his initial arrest on Nov. 21, 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges involved in his Santaquin case, and prosecutors are working toward scheduling a trial. Saunders has an initial appearance for his most recent case on Aug. 20.