Jorge A. Manan-Moreno, Executive Director of the Catalina Lovy Foundation.
LOGAN — A local charity organization is searching for a new leader after state prosecutors filed child sex abuse charges against their former executive director. Jorge A. Manan-Moreno faces two counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony.
Thursday afternoon, Catalina Lovy Foundation Vice President Carlos Aguero announced the departure of Jorge Manan-Moreno. He said, “The board of directors has begun searching for a new Executive Director to ensure a seamless transition and to carry forward the organization’s vision and goals.”
Court records show, Manan-Moreno was arraigned Tuesday afternoon during a virtual hearing in 4th District Court in Provo, appearing by web conference from jail. After being read the charges against him, Judge Robert Lund assigned a public defender to the case and ordered the 52-year-old Smithfield man to appear again in court June 27.
On June 12, Spanish Fork Police officers were contacted by the alleged victim. The teenage boy told investigators how he and several other boys had been inappropriately touched by Manan-Moreno, a family/friend. The incidents took place at residences in Spanish Fork, Pleasant Grove, Taylorsville and Smithfield, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
The alleged victim explained how all of the families were originally from Chile and often got together twice a month to socialize. Since Manan-Moreno and others lived several hours away, they would often spend the night at each other’s homes.
Court documents explained how the allegations occurred during these sleepovers, and involved the boys being molested and forced to perform sex acts with Manan-Moreno, while others were sleeping.
Since the crimes were reported in multiple locations, Spanish Fork Police officers learned that similar investigations are being conducted by other law enforcement agencies in Pleasant Grove, Taylorsville and Smithfield.
Investigators also discovered Manan-Moreno was convicted in Chile of similar sex abuse crimes in 2012. The victim was a minor under the age of 14.
On June 16, Spanish Fork police contacted Manan-Moreno at his Smithfield home. He was taken to the Smithfield City Police Department for questioning.
According to officers, Manan-Moreno immediately asked for his attorney to be present and then refused to answer any questions. He cried and sobbed to himself for two hours while being transported to the Utah County Jail.
Manan-Moreno remains in the Utah County Jail. He could face up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.
In Thursday’s statement, Aguero said: “As the Board looks towards the future, the foundation will continue to advance the organization’s mission and build upon its achievements. The Catalina Lovy Foundation remains committed to providing essential support and services to individuals with disabilities and the elderly, ensuring their inclusion, well-being, and quality of life. The selection process will prioritize finding a leader who possesses a deep understanding of the foundation’s vision and a passion for driving positive change.”
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.