WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah, July 12, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — A 32-year-old Washington County man who worked as a school teacher has been booked into jail after he allegedly tried to arrange sex with two separate undercover officers he believed to be girls age 17 and 15.
His charging document says he also sent unclothed or partially nude photos and videos of himself, and messages in extremely graphic, adult language.
Michael Kleiner faces charges for the alleged crimes of:
- Six counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, a first-degree felony
- 12 counts of distributing materials harmful to a minor, actor older than 18 years, a third-degree felony
- Enticing a minor, third-degree felony behavior, a class A misdemeanor
“Michael Kleiner acknowledged the female child’s age and stated that he was an ESL teacher at a middle school in St. George,” says the arrest document, filed by a Lehi Police officer, who was portraying a 17-year-old girl.
That officer discovered that Kleiner was also communicating with a Utah Internet Crimes Against Children officer based in West Jordan, who was portraying a 15-year-old girl. The officers compared notes and evidence.
Kleiner allegedly contacted both profiles through online apps known for anonymity.
The Lehi officer contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, which confirmed Kleiner’s address and status as a certified public school teacher.
Kleiner was arrested Wednesday during an operation involving the St. George Police Department and agents in Utah County.
“Michael admitted to chatting with at least two under aged females online in a sexual manner,” his arrest document says. “Michael stated that he could not remember if there was more.”
Kleiner was booked into the Utah County jail, where he remains as of Sunday.
