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A 44-year-old woman who worked as a staff member at a Juab County area program for boys with behavioral problems has admitted engaging in sexual acts with five boys housed at the facility.
Katherine Lynn Estep, of Payson, was initially charged in 4th District Court with five counts of first-degree felony forcible sodomy and 10 counts of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse, alleging she touched the genitals of the five boys — ages 16 and 17 — and performed oral sex on three of them. She was also charged with two class C misdemeanor counts of providing tobacco to minors.
According to a statement in support of a plea filed Tuesday with the court, Estep — who worked at The Journey program's Impact Ranch in Mona — pleaded guilty to seven counts of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse, and the other counts were dismissed.
Estep faces up to 15 years in prison on each count when she is sentenced Aug. 23 by Judge Jenifer Brown. Prosecutors, however, will recommend concurrent prison terms.
Charging documents state that Estep held a position of special trust with the boys which allowed her to "exercise undue influence" over them.
Estep also coerced or enticed the young men into cooperating with her with these sexual acts," which occurred between May 1 and May 13 of 2015, according to charges. She allegedly told two of the boys that if they did not comply, she would give them a demerit.
Estep also allowed some of the boys to use her cell phone, gave some of them candy and some of them pills, and let two of them use her electronic cigarette, charges state.
Officials at The Journey have previously declined to comment on the case.
According to the program's website, boys 13 to 18 meet with therapists, participate in service projects and outdoor activities, and are able to work with animals.