OREM — A politically conservative activist was arrested Friday after police say he raped a 17-year-old girl.
Keith Kuder, 25, of Orem, was booked into jail for investigation of two counts of rape and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Kuder met the 17-year-old girl in an online chat room, according to a police affidavit filed in 4th District Court. He then brought her to his home on June 4, gave her alcohol and raped her, despite her telling him to stop, Orem Police Sgt. Craig Martinez said.
A few days later, they met again at Kuder's home and, according to the affidavit, he raped the girl again.
When Kuder fell asleep, the victim opened his laptop and sent a message to a friend, telling what happened, that she was scared and asked the friend to come pick her up, the affidavit states. The victim was taken to the police station.
When contacted Tuesday, Kuder said he believes he was "set up" but refused to explain further and said his lawyer would release a statement later.
According to his website, Kuder considers himself a leader in Utah and asks website visitors to join him in molding America "into a transformative political movement based on timeless family principles."
Kuder ran for secretary of the Utah County Republican Party last year, under the promise that he would "lead by example through a period of immorality," his website states.
Kuder also says on the site that he volunteers "every week" at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Training Center in Provo.
Kuder was released Monday on $1,500 bail.
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