Wasatch County Republican Chair arrested in alleged child abuse case

Photo: Heber City Police Department

HEBER CITY, Utah — The Heber City Police Department has arrested David Johnson, current Chair of the Republican Party in Wasatch County, following an investigation into allegations of aggravated child abuse involving a juvenile.

Detectives with the Heber City Police Department initiated an investigation after receiving information alleging that Johnson had held the head of his 16-year-old daughter under water as a form of punishment, according to a release from the department.

“In this case, it appears that they were filling the sink with water, holding the head underwater and then pulling the head out of the water,” Sever told KSL News. The chief said the child’s head would be held underwater for about 20 to 30 seconds.

Detectives also learned that in one instance, the juvenile had been backhanded on the torso, resulting in visible bruising, according to the release.

Police say more than one juvenile victim was involved and that the abuse included physical assault.

KSL also spoke with the vice chair of the Republican Party for Wasatch County, Patty Sprunt. She noted that she’d only observed a healthy relationship between Johnson and his family. Sprunt urged the public not to jump to conclusions saying a person is innocent until proven guilty.

In a statement following the arrest, Democratic legislative candidate for House District 59 Micah Kagan called the allegations “deeply disturbing” and called for Johnson to step down from his party leadership role.

Due to the ongoing nature of the case and the involvement of a minor, the department noted that no further details will be released at this time. “The Heber City Police Department remains committed to protecting children and holding offenders accountable,” read the statement.