A former Scout leader has been sentenced to two life sentences in the Utah State Prison after pleading guilty to child sexual abuse charges.
Brandon Hillman, 23, became a Boy Scout leader in Sandy last year, and police believe he took advantage of that role to molest nine boys, ages 7 to 12.He was charged in July with several first-degree felony counts. In a negotiated plea, Hillman pleaded guilty to two first-degree counts of attempted aggravated sexual abuse of a child and a lesser count of attempted sexual abuse.
At his sentencing on Friday, Hillman gave a teary apology to the families of his victims.
"I'm sorry I deceived you, abused my religion and my position in Scouting. I'm so sorry," said Hillman, who has been excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Defense attorney Patrick Anderson said Hillman was glad the abuse was stopped by authorities, and he asked that Hillman be placed on probation and intensive therapy.
But 3rd District Judge Robert Hilder rejected that suggestion.
"Mr. Hillman must know he is a felon," Hilder said. "It's not the nature of the act, it's the nature of what it did to these children. You've stolen trust. You've stolen innocence. I don't think you can be rehabilitated without prison."
Hillman read scripture to one boy before molesting him, the victim's parents said.
"Brandon made him feel like he wanted it and asked for it," said one mother whose son was molested during a Scout campout in Summit County last March.
Police began investigating Hillman after receiving a report of inappropriate touching from a Seattle boy who had visited a home where Hillman was temporarily staying.
"He's not taking responsibility for molesting these children," said the woman who had given Hillman a place to stay. "He's blaming me for making the first phone call."
Prosecutor Katherine Bernards-Goodman said Hillman is manipulative, not contrite.