As much as we want to think that all adults are trustworthy, that’s just not the case. Sadly, sometimes they have nefarious intentions toward children. Some of the worst of the worst even want to exploit children sexually. A 53-year-old man in Utah allegedly approached a teenager and offered to help the teen kick-start a career in pornography. Police arrested David Francis Butterfield in St. George on January 24, 2026, following a disturbing complaint made by a minor. Now he faces felony charges.
The encounter allegedly occurred at an apartment complex on East 450 North, St. George News reported. According to court documents obtained by the news outlet, a family member told police the minor had been visiting a relative in the apartment complex when Butterfield stopped by. At first, the conversation seemed normal, but things took a bizarre turn when the relative stepped outside.
Butterfield allegedly showed sexually explicit images to the girl and asked if she would be interested in a “lucrative” business opportunity, as he had as a child. Despite knowing the teenage girl was underage, Butterfield asked if she wanted his help to “get into pornography,” court documents state.
The minor rebuked the man’s offer, but he “remained persistent in pursuing the conversation,” court documents state, per the News. He allegedly showed her a video and asked for a profile picture to get started with the opportunity. The following day, the teen reported receiving strange text messages from someone claiming to be an 18-year-old male. That’s when the family contacted police.
When police approached Butterfield, he reportedly denied sending the text, even though forensic evidence traced it back to him. Although he admitted to having “engaged in passive conversation,” Butterfield denied ever discussing pornography with the minor.
Police arrested Butterfield, who faces three felony charges. He’s in the Purgatory Correctional Facility being held without bond. Butterfield was expected to appear again in court on January 30.
This is just disgusting, no way around it. If Butterfield really did have these conversations, he should never be allowed around a minor again.
