Utah Dad Charged with Waterboarding Teen Daughter Over Messy Room

David Nephi Johnson, chairman of the Wasatch County Republican Party, allegedly abused his children for years

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A Utah father has been charged with aggravated child abuse after allegedly waterboarding his teenage daughter because her bedroom was not "spotless to his expectations." David Nephi Johnson, the chairman of the Wasatch County Republican Party, is accused of grabbing his daughter by the neck, dunking her head in a sink full of water, and splashing water on her face until she felt like she was drowning. The girl also claimed her father had previously abused her younger brother in a similar manner.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns about ongoing abuse within the Johnson household and the potential threat the father poses to his two younger children, who remain in his care. It also highlights the issue of parental abuse and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable children, especially in politically influential families.

The details

According to the police affidavit, the teenage girl reported the abuse to authorities, stating that she "did not feel safe in her home and expressed fear for her life." She claimed the waterboarding incident occurred about a week earlier when she returned home after hanging out with friends. The girl said her father was upset because her room "didn't completely clean her room, and she went out without having it to be spotless to his expectations." Johnson allegedly grabbed the girl by the neck and dunked her head in a sink full of water, pulling her out and splashing more water on her face before dunking her again. The girl said she couldn't breathe for about 30 seconds and felt like she was drowning. After the incident, Johnson allegedly ordered the girl to clean her room.

  • The alleged waterboarding incident took place about one week prior to the report.
  • The girl also claimed her father had abused her younger brother in a similar manner 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

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Johnson to be released on bail as the legal process continues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger protections and oversight to prevent child abuse, even in politically influential families. It raises questions about the culture of control and punishment within some households and the barriers that prevent vulnerable children from reporting abuse.