A 23-year-old Mormon missionary accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in his Tesla has agreed to a plea deal that could result in him serving just one year in a treatment program. Krew Zaugg was charged in May 2025 with rape and lewd conduct following the incident in Idaho Falls, but the counts were later amended to battery with intent to commit a serious felony.
Zaugg pleaded guilty to the lesser charge. He was sentenced to a "rider" term, which requires him to complete a treatment program in prison for up to one year. After completing the program, a judge will decide whether to impose a longer underlying sentence of four to 14 years. Zaugg must also register as a sex offender and is prohibited from contacting the victim.
During his sentencing, Zaugg sobbed and stated he made an impulsive decision due to personal struggles, including a breakup. He admitted to initially lying to police.
The victim and her family provided impact statements detailing the severe emotional and physical toll of the assault. The victim described experiencing panic attacks, developing an eating disorder, and being subjected to cruel jokes in her community. Her mother recounted the assault as "brutal, violent and highly forceful," leaving her daughter with bruises and physical marks.
The victim's sister told Zaugg that her sister's courage in confronting him in court demonstrated greater strength than his actions. The victim's father also noted her developing an eating disorder following the incident.
Prosecutors had sought a fixed four-year jail term with an additional 16 years indeterminate. However, Bonneville County Court Judge Michael Whyte imposed the one-year rider program, offering Zaugg a path that could allow him to avoid serving time in the general prison population if he successfully completes the treatment.