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A woman charged with engaging in sexual acts with boys housed at a Juab County area program for teens with behavioral problems has waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
Katherine Lynn Estep, 44, of Payson, was charged in May in 4th District Court with five counts of first-degree felony forcible sodomy and 10 counts of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse. She also was charged with two class C misdemeanor counts of providing tobacco to minors.
The charges state that Estep — who worked at The Journey program's Impact Ranch in Mona — touched the genitals of the five boys and performed oral sex on three of them. She also showed her breasts to one of the boys and caused him to touch her breasts, according to charges.
On Wednesday, Estep waived her right to a hearing where prosecutors must show there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed.
Estep, who is free on $50,000 bond, is to return to court on Nov. 10 for a scheduling hearing.
Prosecutors allege Estep held a position of special trust with the boys — ages 16 and 17 — 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," according to charges.
She allegedly told two of the boys that if they did not comply, she would give them a demerit.
And she 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 declined to comment.
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.
Estep has no prior criminal record, according to a search of Utah court records.