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Judge removes himself from child sex abuse case

Posted at 11:11 AM, Dec 05, 2012
and last updated 2012-12-05 21:10:42-05

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah - The judge in a case of a former principal accused of molesting several young boys over the span of 35 years removed himself from the case on Wednesday.

The judge says he is too closely tied to the Wasatch County community to preside over the case of 65-year-old Charles Weber.

Less than a week ago, the FBI began asking the former teacher about allegations he molested an 11-year-old student for two years back in the 1970s.

During an interview at his South Jordan home, Weber reportedly admitted to agents that he sexually abused that boy and several other boys over the past 35 years, including a 15-year-old boy he reportedly admitted to molesting this year in Wasatch County.

Charges were filed late Friday, but by then Weber had fled to a family home in St. George where he reportedly attempted suicide. He was hospitalized then brought back to Wasatch County. He now faces six counts of forcible sodomy.

At lease one new accuser has stepped forward since Monday, and prosecutors say more could be on the way.

"The case is still an on-going investigation. We think there's more stuff going to come to light, we think it's probably going to be cross-jurisdictional," said Scott Sweat.

Weber was terminated from his position as principal at Soldier Hollow Charter School in August for reasons unrelated to this case.

A new judge has already been assigned to the case and Weber is scheduled to be back in court next Monday.

Anyone with additional information or allegations against Weber is asked to contact the Salt Lake City FBI division at 801-579-1400.

Related: Award-winning educator admits to child sex abuse