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CEO of Utah County-based nonprofit Exitus is accused of over 30 felonies

Candace Lierd — founder of the organization that says it fights human trafficking — faces charges including communications fraud, theft, and forgery.

Fox 13 image

The CEO of a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to fighting human trafficking was booked into Utah County Jail on Friday, accused of over 30 felony offenses.

Candace Lierd, 37, formerly known as Candace Rivera, faces charges of communications fraud, theft, and forgery among others. In total, she was charged with 35 different offenses, 32 of which were felonies.

The arrest comes as a result of an investigation by the Utah Attorney General’s Office into the nonprofit Exitus, which began in June.

According to arresting documents filed Friday, the investigation was prompted after Lierd was charged with felony check fraud over a check written for over $8,000 to a vendor for services at a 2022 event hosted by the nonprofit.

For the complete story, visit https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/exitus-ceo-booked-on-over-30-felony-counts

This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.

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