Utah GOP Leader Charged With Waterboarding Teen Daughter

David Nephi Johnson allegedly abused his daughter for not keeping her room 'spotless to his expectations'

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A Utah man who serves as the chairman of the Wasatch County Republican Party has been charged with aggravated child abuse after allegedly waterboarding his teenage daughter because her bedroom was not 'spotless to his expectations'. The 15-year-old girl reported the abuse to police, saying her father grabbed her by the neck, dunked her head in water, and splashed water on her face, leaving her unable to breathe for around 30 seconds.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about child abuse within politically influential families, as well as the challenges some children face in reporting mistreatment by their own parents. It also raises questions about the intersection of political power, domestic violence, and the safety of children.

The details

According to the police affidavit, the teenage girl told authorities that her father, David Nephi Johnson, became upset when she returned home after hanging out with friends and her bedroom was not 'spotless to his expectations'. Johnson then allegedly grabbed the girl by the back of the neck, pulled her to the bathroom, and dunked her head in a sink full of water before pulling her out and splashing more water on her face. The girl said she felt like she was drowning and couldn't breathe for about 30 seconds.

  • The alleged waterboarding incident took place about one week before the girl reported it to police.
  • The girl also claimed her father had previously waterboarded her younger brother a few years earlier.

The players

David Nephi Johnson

The chairman of the Wasatch County Republican Party who has been accused of aggravated child abuse for allegedly waterboarding his teenage daughter.

Heber City Police Department

The law enforcement agency that received the report of child abuse and conducted the investigation.

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What’s next

It is not currently clear if Johnson has entered a plea or retained legal representation amid the charges. The Wasatch County Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater scrutiny and accountability when allegations of child abuse involve politically influential individuals. It underscores the importance of empowering children to report mistreatment and ensuring law enforcement thoroughly investigates such claims, regardless of the perpetrator's status or position in the community.