HEBER CITY, Utah — The chairman of the Wasatch County Republican Party was arrested Tuesday following disturbing allegations that he used "waterboarding" as a method of discipline against his teenage daughter.
David Nephi Johnson, 54, faces a charge of first-degree aggravated child abuse.
According to the Heber City Police Department, the investigation began after authorities received a report detailing the alleged abuse, which reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the cleanliness of a bedroom.
Details of the Allegations
According to a probable cause affidavit, the 16-year-old victim told investigators that Johnson became enraged over the state of her room, demanding it be "spotless." The situation allegedly escalated when Johnson grabbed the teen by the neck and forced her into a bathroom where a sink was filling with water.
The victim described a terrifying ordeal to police, stating her head was repeatedly submerged.
"I couldn’t breathe for about 20 to 30 seconds," the teen told investigators, according to court documents.
The affidavit also notes that the teenager suffered visible bruising on her torso from being "backhanded" and lived in a constant state of fear. "When my dad's not home, I feel fine," she reportedly told authorities. "But when he's home, I never feel safe."
Broader Patterns and Party Response
The investigation has reportedly expanded beyond a single incident. The affidavit references allegations involving Johnson’s other children, including a similar "waterboarding" event involving a younger brother.
Johnson, who was elected to his leadership position in May 2025, has been sidelined by the local party. In a statement released via social media, the Wasatch County GOP expressed that they were “deeply concerned and troubled” by the news.
The party confirmed it held an emergency meeting to appoint a vice chair as acting leader, adding:
Official Stance: “The Republican Party stands for the protection of the vulnerable and the upholding of the law.”
Community Appeal: The party urged the public to “refrain from judgment until the facts and evidence have been presented.”
Johnson was booked into the Wasatch County Jail on Tuesday. Legal proceedings are expected to begin next week.
All subjects are presumed innocent until they are found guilty in a court of law.
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