A former local leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is facing criminal charges for allegedly sexting with a teenage girl in his congregation. Cortney Ted Andrew, a 38-year-old Trenton man is facing four counts of enticing a minor by internet or text, a second-degree felony.
Cache County Sheriff’s Lt. Doyle Peck said the crimes allegedly occurred between June 10 and July 14, 2021. Andrew was then reportedly serving as a counselor in the ward’s bishopric with a bishop and another counselor. The three men would oversee the operations of the congregation, including the records, finances and caring for those in need.
Sheriff’s Lt. Mikelshan Bartschi said the alleged victim told detectives how she originally began communicating with Andrew to receive counseling. Andrew would text the teen girl religious advice.
As the communications went on though, “the texts turned inappropriate and very sexually graphic,” said Bartschi.
The alleged victim’s mother reported the actions to the bishop, who reportedly removed Andrew from his position in the ward. She later notified and spoke to law enforcement after the bishop allegedly failed to report the crimes.
Peck said it appears from the evidence, Andrew was attempting to groom the girl to have sex with him. The communications ended supposedly before the relationship became physical.
According to court records, Andrew made his initial appearance Monday afternoon in 1st District Court. He had previously been arrested and booked temporarily into the Cache County Jail.
Church officials did not issue a statement when asked for comment regarding Andrew’s arrest. In October 2022, Church President Russell M. Nelson said “any kind of abuse of women, children, or anyone is an abomination to the Lord…Those who perpetrate these hideous acts are not only accountable to the laws of man but will also face the wrath of Almighty God.”
Andrew remains out of jail on pretrial supervision. He could face up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
