Image Source: Iron County Sheriff’s Department Booking Photo
What Was the Accusation?
Southern Utah University administrator Wesley R. “Wes” Curtis faced public and professional consequences after he was arrested during a December 10, 2010 prostitution sting in Cedar City, Utah. At the time, Curtis was SUU’s vice president for government relations and regional services. Authorities said a multi-county law-enforcement task force had arranged an undercover operation at a local motel after advertising online for people seeking paid sexual encounters. Curtis was among eight men arrested, and SUU placed him on paid administrative leave while the matter was investigated.
On January 24, 2011, Curtis pleaded guilty in Iron County Justice Court to patronizing a prostitute, a class B misdemeanor. The court ordered him to pay a $623 fine and $275 in restitution. That same day, Curtis sent a letter to the SUU community announcing his resignation. In the portions of the letter reported publicly, he accepted responsibility, described his conduct as wrong and inexcusable, expressed shame and sorrow for the pain and embarrassment he had caused, and asked those he had offended or disappointed to forgive him. SUU President Michael T. Benson accepted the resignation.
The case later became a story about professional rehabilitation as well as misconduct. In December 2011, SUU rehired Curtis as director of regional services after a search process involving more than 50 candidates. Benson said Curtis had made amends and deserved a second chance. Curtis returned to work in January 2012 in a position that involved many of his former responsibilities but did not carry his previous vice-presidential title or salary. He later served as executive director of Regional Services before retiring from SUU.
Key Apologia Strategies
Mortification, Corrective Action
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Transcript
Excerpt from Wesley R. Curtis letter to the Southern Utah University community (January 24, 2011):
“I made a terrible mistake that has caused pain and embarrassment to many. What I did was wrong, and I am full of shame and deeply sorrowful for my inexcusable behavior. Though it’s more than I dare ask, I sincerely hope and pray that all of those whom I’ve offended and disappointed by my actions can someday find it in their hearts to forgive me.”
