Categories: Utah News

Police accuse man of sexually abusing a minor in an LDS Church parking lot

This article contains descriptions of domestic violence and/or child abuse. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact the DCFS 24/7 hotline: 855-323-3237. For more information, visit dcfs.utah.gov.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sponsored

SALEM, Utah (ABC4) — Police have arrested a man they believe sexually abused a minor in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse.

On Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, officers with the Salem Police Department were informed of a 13-year-old girl who claims she was sexually assaulted in Salem earlier this year.

The alleged victim told police she and her friend were picked up by Pedro Tavares Evangelista Neto, 29, on an evening sometime during the Spring. After driving around for a time, the 13-year-old’s friend “had to go home” leaving her alone with Neto.

According to a probable cause statement, Neto eventually parked the vehicle in an LDS Church parking lot where he allegedly climbed into the back seat next to the girl and sexually assaulted her.

Documents show the assault was later interrupted by the sound of a nearby baseball game crowd cheering, which reportedly caused Neto to stop and exit the vehicle.

Sponsored

The alleged victim was then able to contact her sister who picked her up and took her home.

On Monday, Oct. 13, Neto was interviewed by police after being arrested and booked into the Utah County Jail. However, he asked for an attorney to be present before answering any questions from officers.

Neto is being held without bail and faces multiple charges including rape of a child and sexual abuse of a child, which are first and second-degree felonies respectively.

Latest headlines:

rssfeeds-admin

Share
Published by
rssfeeds-admin

Recent Posts

Cross-browser Sticky Element Plugin With Pure JavaScript – HC-Sticky

This is a pure JavaScript version of the hc-sticky jQuery plugin which makes any element sticky…

52 minutes ago

Google Completes Acquisition of Wiz in Historic $32 Billion Deal

Google has officially closed its $32 billion all-cash acquisition of Wiz, the Israeli cloud and…

1 hour ago

Police say Loudon woman used drugs with infant in car

A Loudon woman is facing a string of charges after police said she used drugs…

2 hours ago

Concord Mayor warns city councilor over ‘improper and unprofessional’ conduct

Two months after an initial inquiry into removing City Councilor Stacey Brown from office, Mayor…

2 hours ago

NH House tables bill that would place Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence under 91-A

The House of Representatives narrowly voted to table a bill that would increase transparency and…

2 hours ago

Canterbury voters to assess equipment upgrades, manage various funds at town meeting

Between a slide-in water tank, fire extrication equipment, a packer truck, a waste oil burner…

2 hours ago

This website uses cookies.