This resolution admonishes and censures Judge Don M. Torgerson.
This resolution:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
This resolution formally censures Seventh District Court Judge Don M. Torgerson for comments he made during a May 2025 sentencing hearing for a defendant convicted of felony child sexual exploitation, including saying "I've seen worse" after reviewing evidence of child sexual abuse and citing the defendant's "privilege" as a mitigating factor. The House states that these remarks minimized the severity of child rape and violated judicial conduct rules requiring judges to maintain public confidence in the courts and avoid the appearance of bias. The resolution also expresses disappointment with a Utah State Courts statement that the House says inaccurately described the prosecutor's position at the hearing, and directs that copies be sent to Judge Torgerson, the Judicial Conduct Commission, and the Judicial Council. A censure carries no direct legal penalty but places the House's formal condemnation on the record and before the bodies that oversee judicial conduct in Utah.
Introduction
Mar 2
House Rules
House Committee
Mar 2
House Floor Vote
Mar 3
IntroductionMar 2
House Rules
House CommitteeMar 2
House Floor VoteMar 3
This resolution admonishes and censures Judge Don M. Torgerson.
This resolution:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
This resolution formally censures Seventh District Court Judge Don M. Torgerson for comments he made during a May 2025 sentencing hearing for a defendant convicted of felony child sexual exploitation, including saying "I've seen worse" after reviewing evidence of child sexual abuse and citing the defendant's "privilege" as a mitigating factor. The House states that these remarks minimized the severity of child rape and violated judicial conduct rules requiring judges to maintain public confidence in the courts and avoid the appearance of bias. The resolution also expresses disappointment with a Utah State Courts statement that the House says inaccurately described the prosecutor's position at the hearing, and directs that copies be sent to Judge Torgerson, the Judicial Conduct Commission, and the Judicial Council. A censure carries no direct legal penalty but places the House's formal condemnation on the record and before the bodies that oversee judicial conduct in Utah.
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
House/ to Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant Governor's office for filing
House/ received enrolled bill from Printing
Clerk of the House
House/ enrolled bill to Printing
Clerk of the House
Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
Clerk of the House
Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
Legislative Research and General Counsel / Enrolling
Last updated Aug 29, 2026, 5:26 PM