Perry City police have charged a former bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with multiple felonies involving child sexual abuse material following an undercover prostitution operation, as first reported by eastidahonews.com. Eric Hans Monson, a 57-year-old resident of Layton, Utah, faces serious allegations that extend beyond the initial sting operation to include the possession of illegal images and communications regarding minors.
The investigation began on August 14 when officers from the Perry City Police Department launched an undercover prostitution enforcement action. Detectives placed advertisements on social media platforms to attract potential customers. A user operating under the handle “emons6” responded to the listing, identifying himself as a 57-year-old man living in Kaysville.
Undercover Sting and Arrest
According to court documents, Monson agreed to pay $220 to meet with an undercover officer posing as a sex worker. During their communications, investigators recorded disturbing details about Monson’s preferences. He reportedly stated that 15 years old was his favorite age for women. Monson also indicated he would have been willing to pay up to $500 for the encounter.
On August 17, Monson was arrested at a Flying J travel center after arranging a second meeting. Officers discovered $200 in cash in his pocket at the time of the arrest. He was initially released from custody with an ankle monitor but was taken into custody again shortly thereafter following the discovery of digital evidence on his phone.
In addition to the serious felony charges, Monson faces a Class A misdemeanor for patronizing a prostituted adult and a Class C misdemeanor for possessing an open container of alcohol in his vehicle.
Digital Evidence Reveals Further Allegations
The scope of the case expanded significantly after law enforcement seized Monson’s cell phone as evidence. Executing a search warrant, investigators found 15 sexually explicit images of children stored on the device. The illegal material was located within the Kik messaging application.
Beyond the images, detectives uncovered text messages that raised additional concerns regarding Monson’s behavior toward minors. The messages referenced stealing underwear from underage female relatives. In his communications, Monson allegedly admitted to having fantasies about underage girls but denied ever acting on those thoughts in person.
Community Concerns Over Access to Children
The charges carry particular weight given Monson’s recent role within the community and the church. As a former bishop, he held a position of spiritual leadership and trust. The allegations highlight potential risks associated with individuals in positions of authority who have regular access to children through babysitting duties and community involvement.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the discovery of child sexual abuse material triggered the escalation of charges from prostitution-related misdemeanors to second-degree felonies. Monson is now charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a serious felony under Utah law.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
The case underscores the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement in Cache Valley to combat sex trafficking and child exploitation. The Perry City Police Department’s undercover operations continue to target individuals seeking illegal sexual services while simultaneously uncovering related criminal activities.
Monson remains in custody as legal proceedings move forward. The severity of the charges reflects the gravity of possessing and distributing material that exploits minors, regardless of any claims made by the defendant regarding his intent or actions outside of digital communications.
For other public safety updates in Southeast Idaho, readers can view Pocatello Man Faces Murder Charge After Allegedly Killing Uncle With Electric Flyswatter and Authorities Identify Arizona Man Recovered From Snake River in Idaho Falls.