A local political leader in northern Utah is confronting a potential life sentence after prosecutors accused him of subjecting his teenage daughter to what court documents describe as repeated acts of “waterboarding” inside the family home.
David Nephi Johnson, 54, who serves as chairman of the Wasatch County Republican Party, was arrested last week and charged in 4th District Court with aggravated child abuse, a first-degree felony under Utah law.
Authorities allege the case centers on a January incident involving his 16-year-old daughter following a disagreement about household chores.
According to a police affidavit, the investigation began Jan. 21 when the Utah Division of Child and Family Services alerted the Heber City Police Department that a teenage girl reported she feared for her safety at home.
Detectives later interviewed the teen, who described multiple alleged episodes of abuse.
Court records state the dispute escalated after the teen returned from spending time with friends and her father became angry that her bedroom was not “completely clean” or “spotless” to his standards.
According to KSL, investigators allege that Johnson grabbed her by the back of the neck and led her into a bathroom where a sink had been filled with water.
“She disclosed that David dunked her head under, brought it out, splashed water in her face, and then dunked the victim’s head under again.
The victim did not know how long the incident lasted from beginning to end,” the affidavit states.
The teen told investigators she “could not breathe for 20 to 30 seconds,” The Park Record reported.
In addition to the alleged January episode, the affidavit details prior claims of physical discipline.
The teen reported being struck on the torso during an earlier confrontation, leaving visible bruising. Police noted observing marks consistent with her account.
Investigators also wrote that the teen described similar conduct involving younger siblings.
In one instance, a younger brother was allegedly forced underwater in a comparable manner, with the act repeated multiple times.
Authorities said those allegations remain part of the ongoing inquiry.
During her interview, the teen expressed ongoing fear inside the home.
“I don’t feel very safe. When I go to bed, I feel like I can’t sleep because I don’t feel safe,” she said, according to WKRC. “When my dad’s not home, I feel fine. But when he’s home, I never feel safe because I feel like something is going to happen.”
Johnson was initially held without bail following his arrest. At a subsequent court appearance, a judge set bail at $10,000, which he posted.
A pre-trial protective order prohibits him from contacting the alleged victim, residing in the same home with her, or approaching her school.
The order also bars any acts of domestic violence or abuse against household members while the case proceeds, according to ABC 4.
As part of a safety plan implemented by child welfare officials, the teen has been temporarily placed with another adult relative.
Authorities indicated that additional children in the household are subject to safety measures, including restrictions on physical discipline.
In a statement released after an emergency session, the Wasatch County Republican Party Executive Committee said it was “deeply concerned and troubled” by the allegations.
In accordance with party bylaws, Vice Chair Patty Sprunt has assumed temporary leadership responsibilities.
The statement added, “The Republican Party stands for the protection of the vulnerable and the upholding of the law… We encourage the community to refrain from judgment until the facts and evidence have been presented.”
Under Utah law, a first-degree felony carries a potential penalty of five years to life in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Johnson’s defense attorney has said he is “maintaining his innocence.” Authorities confirmed the investigation remains active.
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