Victims Urge Parole Board to Keep Lierd Imprisoned
Seven people testified before the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole as it considers early release for Candace Lierd, convicted in schemes tied to her anti-trafficking nonprofit.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Seven people spoke before the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole on Tuesday, urging the board to keep Candace Lierd imprisoned. Lierd was sentenced in October 2024 for schemes related to her anti-human-trafficking nonprofit, Exitus.
Why it matters
The hearing puts victim testimony at the center of a decision on whether a convicted nonprofit leader serves further time or is released early. The board's ruling will weigh how Utah handles fraud cases involving charitable donations meant for trafficking survivors.
Lierd pleaded no contest to nine felonies in 2025 after being arrested and held without bail in 2023. She faces a sentence of 3 to 30 years, and the parole board will decide whether to grant early release or parole, with no vote yet taken.
The players
Candace Lierd
Candace Lierd is the founder of the anti-human-trafficking nonprofit Exitus, who was sentenced in October 2024 for fraud-related schemes tied to the organization.
Utah Board of Pardons and Parole
The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole is the state body that decides whether convicted offenders receive early release or parole in Utah.
The details
Victims and investigators allege Lierd raised money to help survivors of human trafficking while using the funds for personal benefit. Testimony included that she invited a victim to Ukraine after the conflict began and allegedly used photos and videos from that trip to promote Exitus, and that she falsely presented herself as a licensed medical professional on a 2023 mission trip to Uganda.
Timeline
March 2023: Lierd allegedly posed as a physician on a mission trip to Uganda.
2023: Lierd was arrested and held without bail.
October 2024: Lierd was sentenced for schemes related to Exitus.
2025: Lierd pleaded no contest to nine felonies.
November 3, 2026: Seven people spoke at the parole board hearing in Salt Lake City.
Legal Context
Cases in which charitable organizations misuse donations meant for vulnerable populations have drawn growing scrutiny in U.S. courts. Parole decisions in such cases weigh victim testimony alongside the length of sentences already served.
Residents following Utah's parole system can track how the board handles cases involving victim testimony and charitable fraud. Donors to anti-trafficking organizations may wish to verify how nonprofits report the use of their contributions.
The takeaway
Victim testimony can shape parole outcomes, making it a key factor for anyone following cases involving charitable fraud. Checking how a nonprofit spends donations is a practical step for donors supporting causes tied to survivor services.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore Sex Crimes reporting in Utah.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.
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