The 46-year-old leader of a Spanish-speaking Mormon church located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah is accused of not only fondling a teenaged girl, but assaulting her mother and biting the penis of the son/brother who tried to protect his family.
Efrey Antonio Guzman reportedly used his status as a church leader to get close to the family of a 13-year-old girl. In May, the family says Guzman entered the family’s home, grabbed the girl tightly and kissed and fondled her buttocks. He let go and left when the girl’s 20-year-old brother walked into the room. Because he was a leader in their Mormon church, the family says they did not report the incident. However, when he came back, the family would not let him in their home.
Guzman once again arrived at the Midvale home of the teenage girl last week, but was met at the door by her mother who told him he was not allowed in. Angry, Guzman allegedly began to punch and shove his way past the mother. He managed to get inside the home and ripped the woman’s shirt and grabbed her exposed breast. The mother called for help and the 20-year-old son ran in.
When the son tried to pull Guzman off his mother, Guzman spun around, pulled the son’s penis out of his boxers and bit down on it.
The young man wound up needing surgery to repair the damage Guzman did to his genitals.
Guzman has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual abuse of a child, aggravated burglary, and forcible sexual abuse. He has also been removed from his post as a Mormon church branch leader and faces additional discipline within the church.
A spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints told The Salt Lake Tribune, ‘The church has zero tolerance for abuse of any kind. Mr. Guzman has been released from his church duties effective immediately and faces further church discipline following the legal process.’
Guzman was being held at the Salt Lake County jail on a $300,000 bond, with his initial court appearance scheduled for Friday, August 10.
