PROVO — The former program director for a Utah County center that treats teens for sexual behavior problems was charged Friday with five felonies alleging sexual misconduct with a 15-year-old resident.
Teresa Lee Cope, 34, of Springville, was charged in 4th District Court with five counts of custodial sexual relations with youth receiving state services, three second-degree felonies and two third-degree felonies.
Cope was program director at the Birdseye Residential Treatment Center in Spanish Fork and worked with the Department of Human Services, according to court records.
From April 15 to May 31, 2013, prosecutors allege Cope sexually abused a 15-year-old boy on at least four occasions. At least one of those incidents was when Cope told the boy "to come to her office at the Birdseye facility," according to charging documents. On another occasion, the two were in Springville getting haircuts and the boy was later abused in a vehicle.
Cope was booked into the Utah County Jail last week but was released after her husband posted bail. She made her first court appearance Friday and was informed of the charges against her. Her next court appearance was scheduled for May 14.
The Utah County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant at Cope's home in April and collected evidence related in the case, such as electronics and other physical evidence, according to deputies.
The boy's family is from Cedar City. The Washington County Sheriff's Office was also conducting an investigation to determine whether any misconduct occurred in their jurisdiction.
Cope was the program manager for Heritage Youth Services at Birdseye from June of 2012 until she quit in December of last year. The program treats juveniles for sexual behavior problems and pornography addiction.
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