BRIGHAM CITY — A former Utah Highway Patrol trooper who resigned last month after a decade-long career is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following accusations that he exposed himself and showed explicit material to a teenage boy.
Robert Ellis Nelson, 57, of Willard, has been charged in Box Elder County with two felony counts of distributing harmful material to a minor, one felony count of obstruction of justice, and three class B misdemeanor counts of lewdness.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the investigation began in early September 2025 after a 17-year-old boy reported the initial incident. Investigators stated that Nelson invited the teenager into his home for a glass of water and subsequently showed him explicit video footage on a laptop. Charging documents indicate that after the teenager declined to watch and left the residence, Nelson followed him outside. Nelson then allegedly undressed and stood in his open garage, touching himself while the boy mowed a nearby lawn.
Authorities allege that the harassment continued over the following weeks. Similar incidents were reported on Sept. 9 and Sept. 16, with Nelson allegedly attempting to wave the teenager over while actively exposing himself.
Furthermore, investigators noted that Nelson performed a factory reset on his personal computer shortly after he was placed on administrative leave, an action that resulted in the felony obstruction of justice charge.
The Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office formally alerted the Utah Department of Public Safety to the criminal investigation on Sept. 25, 2025. Nelson was immediately placed on administrative leave. In accordance with department policy for severe misconduct allegations, He was required to surrender his badge, weapons, and other department-issued equipment while remaining available for contact by his supervisors.
Box Elder County prosecutors informed the department of their intent to formally file criminal charges on Feb. 13, 2026. Nelson, whose regular duties had included standard patrol assignments and commercial vehicle inspections, resigned from the agency on Feb. 20 after approximately 12 years of service.
Nelson is scheduled to make an initial appearance before a judge March 23. He is currently out of jail and could face more than five years in prison, if convicted.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.