Salt Lake Fire Captain Hit with More Sexual Abuse Charges After New Allegations

by

A Salt Lake City fire captain and EMT instructor accused of sexually abusing students is now facing additional charges, according to newly amended court documents.

Christopher David Burk, 46, was initially charged with seven felony counts of sexual abuse involving two victims. However, a recent amendment filed in the Third District Court on Feb. 13 has increased the total number of charges to 13, as more alleged victims have come forward.

Burk now faces 11 counts of forcible sexual abuse, which are second-degree felonies, along with two third-degree felony charges of attempted forcible sexual abuse.

The reported incidents took place between May and September 2024, with many allegations stemming from Burk’s role as an EMT instructor at a local community college. Victims reported that he allegedly engaged in inappropriate touching during training sessions, sometimes asking students to stay after class under the pretense of additional instruction. Others claimed he singled them out in front of the class for physical demonstrations.

According to court documents, several victims hesitated to come forward due to Burk’s authoritative position. A fellow EMT program employee informed investigators that Burk’s alleged actions violated policy, emphasizing that physical demonstrations of certain assessments were not part of standard instruction. The employee also stated that one-on-one training sessions were against program rules, yet Burk allegedly engaged in such interactions with students.

The Salt Lake City Fire Department confirmed on Jan. 29 that an employee had been placed on leave following allegations of misconduct. The department stated that it is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation.

Burk was initially charged on Jan. 30, with additional charges added in the amended filing on Feb. 13. The case remains under investigation.

keelee-mccain
Latest posts by keelee-mccain (see all)

Leave a Comment