Columbus, Ohio — Wade S. Christofferson, the 72-year-old brother of D. Todd Christofferson of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to charges stemming from sexual abuse of minors in both Utah and Ohio, the Department of Justice said.
The plea covers convictions for coercion and enticement of a minor. The enticement charge carries a statutory minimum sentence of 10 years and exposure that could extend to life imprisonment.
What prosecutors say happened
Federal prosecutors say Christofferson was arrested in Ohio in November after a call with a minor was overheard in which sexually explicit remarks were made. Investigators say the defendant also sent the minor what they described as "coded letters," teaching the child code words for sexual acts and parts of the body.
“committed hands-on sexual abuse”
The Department of Justice said Christofferson "committed hands-on sexual abuse" of victims in both Utah and Ohio roughly 20 times. Law enforcement reports say one alleged incident occurred when the child was about 7 or 8 years old; later reports prompted police in Ohio to take action weeks after the intercepted call.
Evidence revealed in the case
According to court filings, a later search of Christofferson's phone uncovered internet queries including searches for "criminal defense attorneys sex crimes columbus ohio" and whether clergy must report confessions of child abuse in Ohio. Authorities say those items were part of the investigative record supporting the charges.
Federal prosecutors will now move toward sentencing, where judges will determine the penalty within the statutory framework for the admitted offenses.
- Defendant: Wade S. Christofferson, 72
- Relation: Brother of D. Todd Christofferson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency (LDS Church)
- Charges pleaded to: Coercion; enticement of a minor
- Possible sentence: Enticement carries at least 10 years; exposure up to life in prison
- Alleged victims: Children in Utah and Ohio; some abuse alleged when a child was about 7 or 8
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrest | November (Ohio) |
| Number of alleged incidents | Approximately 20 |
| Phone evidence | Search history queries about defense attorneys and reporting requirements |
Local impact and next steps
The case touches Utah communities because some alleged abuse occurred in the state. Federal prosecutors handled the charges and announced the guilty plea; sentencing dates will be set by the court. Victims and their families may have input at sentencing under federal procedures.
As this moves forward, law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney's office will be the primary sources for updates, including any information about restitution, victim services, or additional charges.
News Block will monitor court filings and sentencing developments and will report new information as it becomes available.
Miles Christensen is the Utah correspondent for News Block.
