A 44-year-old Payson, Utah women was arrested this month in connection with the sexual assaults of 5 young men in her care.Katherine Lynn Estep was an employee at the Journey Impact Ranch in Mona, Utah, a facility designed to care for young boys with behavioral issues.
The boys that attend the facility are all between the ages of 13 and 18 and are given access to group therapy, outdoor treatment options, and a one-on-one therapy session at least once a week. According to the Juab County Sheriff’s Office, Estep was arrested for “performing sexual acts” with at least five juvenile boys in her care. She now faces charges including five counts of forcible sodomy and seven counts of sexual abuse of a minor.
Many of the details of the case have yet to be released, including the ages and identities of the boys that were allegedly victimized. Additionally, while Estep has been booked and is currently being held on $500,000 bail in the Juab County jail, the Utah District Attorney’s Office is waiting until the conclusion of the investigation to file formal charges.
A spokeswoman from the Utah Department of Human Services announced that the remaining boys at the Journey Impact Ranch would be transferred to another facility where they can continue their treatment away from the spotlight of this investigation.
Cases of child sexual abuse such as this are among the worst crimes an adult can conceivably commit. In addition to physically harming minors and creating mental scars that will last a lifetime, perpetrators such as Estep violate the trust of the parents, guardians and fellow employees that are tasked with caring for young, vulnerable members of our community.
The fact that the boys at this facility were seeking therapy to alleviate their behavioral issues only makes this behavior all the more appalling. Instead of receiving the treatment they needed and deserved, these young men will now have to carry the burden of their supervisor’s abuse with them for the rest of their lives.
If you or a loved one are a victim of child sexual abuse, whether in your church, at a local school or in any other facility or group organization, it is important that you call Attorney Neil Smith at Nix Patterson & Roach law firm today for help.
Cases of child sexual abuse are complex and require an experienced lawyer on your side. Call the experienced Child sexual Abuse lawyers of Nix, Patterson & Roach at 1-800-220-1088 and we can help provide the answers you seek.
Call for a Free Confidential Consultation today. And there is never an attorney’s fee unless we recover for you. Call 1-800-220-1088 for help. We care and will fight to seek the justice you deserve.
Child abusers must be held responsible for their behavior, and Nix Patterson and Roach can help achieve the justice you and your family deserve.