substitute teacher arrested after caught by student performing lewd act

A substitute teacher, 81-year-old Morris Richard Saunders, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly performing a lewd act at Clayton Middle School in Salt Lake City. According to police reports, a student witnessed Saunders masturbating in an empty room during school hours on March 18, 2025.

Salt Lake City Police Department's Brent Weisberg confirmed that Saunders faces a charge of lewdness involving a child. The incident was reported immediately, prompting an investigation by the Special Victims Unit.

As part of their investigation, police executed a search warrant with assistance from the SLCPD Violent Criminal Apprehension Team. The presence of School Resource Officers also underscores the seriousness of the situation and the ongoing investigation.

Weisberg emphasized that the Salt Lake City School District and Clayton Middle School have been cooperative throughout the investigation. Authorities are meticulously examining the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure appropriate actions are taken.

This troubling event has raised concerns within the community, highlighting the need for vigilance in school environments to maintain the safety and well-being of students.