Resolution Admonishing and Censuring Judge Don M. Torgerson
Introduction
Mar 2
House Rules
House Committee
Mar 2
House Floor Vote
Mar 3
This resolution admonishes and censures Judge Don M. Torgerson.
This resolution:
AI-generated summary. We recommend consulting the bill text for important decisions.
The Utah House of Representatives 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, in which he said "I've seen worse" after reviewing evidence and cited the defendant's "privilege" as a factor in issuing a lighter sentence than prosecutors recommended. The resolution also criticizes the Utah State Courts for issuing a public statement that the House says inaccurately characterized the prosecutor's position at the hearing, and directs that a copy be sent to Judge Torgerson, the Judicial Conduct Commission, and the Judicial Council. While a censure is a formal expression of condemnation and carries no direct legal penalty, it places the House's criticism on the official record and puts the matter 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. We recommend consulting the bill text for important decisions.
The Utah House of Representatives 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, in which he said "I've seen worse" after reviewing evidence and cited the defendant's "privilege" as a factor in issuing a lighter sentence than prosecutors recommended. The resolution also criticizes the Utah State Courts for issuing a public statement that the House says inaccurately characterized the prosecutor's position at the hearing, and directs that a copy be sent to Judge Torgerson, the Judicial Conduct Commission, and the Judicial Council. While a censure is a formal expression of condemnation and carries no direct legal penalty, it places the House's criticism on the official record and puts the matter 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 Mar 26, 2026, 9:43 PM