“Former Utah Therapist Admits to Sexual Abuse of Patients: Shocking Details Revealed”

Former Utah therapist Scott Owen has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing several of his patients during therapy sessions. The case came to light after an investigation by The Salt Lake Tribune and ProPublica revealed a range of sex abuse allegations against Owen, who specialized in helping gay men who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The investigation prompted Provo police to look into the matter in 2023. It was discovered that some of the men who sought therapy with Owen had their sessions paid for by their bishop using church funds. Despite complaints from patients about inappropriate touching, Owen continued to practice until the newsrooms published their findings.

In court, Owen admitted to sexually abusing two male patients and leading them to believe that the sexual contact was part of their therapy. He also pleaded no contest to attempted aggravated sexual abuse of a child in connection with a female patient who alleged he touched her inappropriately when she was 13 years old.

Owen faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for March 31. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss seven other felony charges in exchange for his guilty plea. The victims reported instances of kissing, cuddling, and inappropriate touching during therapy sessions.

In plea documents, Owen acknowledged the sexual contact with his patients and admitted to putting one patient’s testicles in his mouth. He recognized that as a therapist, he was in a position of trust and that the sexual acts were not part of any legitimate treatment process.

The case has raised questions about the oversight of therapists in Utah, as both state licensors and local leaders in the LDS church were aware of the allegations against Owen as early as 2016. The church stated that it takes all matters of sexual misconduct seriously and has taken steps to address the issue internally.

The sentencing of Scott Owen will be closely watched as the community seeks justice for the victims of his abuse. The case highlights the importance of proper regulation and oversight in the mental health profession to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.