**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**We ARE the People Utah Demands Accountability: 

Press Conference and Rally: Expose Corruption and Protect Utah’s Children**

**Salt Lake City, UT – August 11, 2025** – We ARE the People Utah, will host a press conference and rally at the Utah State Capitol on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM. 

We demand justice for Utah’s child abuse victims—shamefully, the state ranks first in the nation for these crimes—and an end to the abuse of power that endangers our kids.

Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams must resign or publicly apologize for pushing SB213, a law that weakens penalties for adults engaging in sexual acts with minors. Shockingly, the provision reducing penalties was written by the defense attorney for Adams’ step-grandchild, charged with statutory rape of a 13-year-old—a clear conflict of interest. 

Eric Moutsos, activist and former police officer, states: “Senator Adams should have disclosed his conflict of interest to benefit his family member.” 

This betrayal of public trust, tailored to shield a family member, is unacceptable. We demand SB213 be repealed immediately. 

Worse, Senator Todd Weiler attempted last session to pass legislation reducing penalties for child sex abuse and trafficking, exposing a disturbing pattern in Utah of protecting perpetrators at the expense of victims. We call on the Utah GOP to formally censure Adams and Weiler for their actions and prioritize child protection over political loyalty.

Utah must protect its precious children and must not enable predators. A 13-year-old cannot consent to sex—period. An 18-year-old is an adult who must face consequences, not leniency. To stop these crimes, we need harsh penalties, not loopholes for the powerful. Our children and families deserve real protection.

Speakers include Sharelle Mendenhall, Mrs. United States 2024, a fierce advocate against child trafficking, who declares: “As a national anti-human trafficking board member, I’m not standing by while 1 in 7 Utah children face abuse by age 18—a grossly underreported crisis. This is unacceptable. I’m joining Jason Preston to raise awareness that drives results and push for laws to protect kids and prosecute offenders to the fullest.” 

Mike Glover, veteran and activist, adds: “Nothing is a greater crime than the abuse of children. I put my life on the line for this country and am calling on all men in Utah to stand for the protection of children.” Joining them are Jason Preston and survivors Marybeth Long and Ashley Smith, sharing their powerful stories to demand change. Legislators are being asked to speak as well

Join us at the Capitol to fight corruption and protect the vulnerable.

My week of movie making and blogging was busy as usual.

Jenny Marie Hatch

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