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David McConkie, 47, a former Colorado Springs deputy district attorney and president of the Colorado Springs East Stake for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, entered a plea agreement in April admitting guilt to one count of attempted sexual assault on a child, a class five felony; remaining charges were dismissed, according to the Denver Gazette last week.
Under the agreement, McConkie could have received up to 90 days in jail, but Judge Erin Sokol sentenced him to five years of intensive supervised probation rather than incarceration, noting that he is unemployed, has lost his law license, and has five children to support.
According to court documents, McConkie confessed in 2008 to inappropriate sexual conduct involving a child during a meeting with a church leader. One adult victim, appearing via Webex before sentencing, testified that the abuse spanned several years and was initially recognized due to the child’s behavior. “I have waited many years to voice these things to you,” the victim stated, emphasizing the profound impact of McConkie’s actions and expressing hope that he transforms during his probation.
Prosecutors sought jail time, criticizing McConkie’s language in the plea agreement—particularly a phrase suggesting the assault might have been accidental—as minimization of the victim’s trauma. The defense highlighted letters from character witnesses and testimony from a supervisor of visitation that McConkie had improved and was co-parenting without instilling fear in his children. McConkie emotionally stated he felt daily remorse, prayed for healing and redemption for the victim, and apologized.
Judge Sokol, aware of McConkie’s former prosecutorial role, acknowledged the plea deal was unusually lenient but explained that McConkie’s current circumstances—being unemployed, disbarred, a father of five, and compliant—factored into her decision not to impose jail time. McConkie must now register as a sex offender, avoid contact with minors, and may serve probation in Utah; no restitution was ordered.
Are You A Survivor of LDS Sexual Abuse? Find Out What Your Legal Options Are…
Thousands of survivors have come forward in cases involving the LDS Church. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse by a church leader, learn more about your rights and legal avenues at SurvivorsRights.com’s Mormon Church sexual abuse lawsuits guide.
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