UTAH — Utah Highway Patrol troopers made 10 separate drug busts within one week’s time this month, seizing more than 400 pounds of narcotics, 1,256 recreational-use prescription pills and three handguns.
The 10 drug busts took place between Oct. 6 and Oct. 13, according to the Utah Highway Patrol, and included a record breaking multimillion-dollar bust with the seizure of 236 pounds of methamphetamine near Springville last week.
The drug busts resulted in the seizure of a combined total of 165 pounds of marijuana, 251 pounds of methamphetamine, one ounce of cocaine, 1,005 alprazolam pills, 1,009 Oxycodone pills and three handguns, UHP officials said.
Five of the seizures occurred on Interstate 15, with four of the seizures occurring on Interstate 80, and one on Interstate 70, according to the Highway Patrol.
As the report is published, each case is currently being investigated by the Department of Public Safety’s State Bureau of Investigation.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
ST. GEORGE — A St. George man was arrested Thursday for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl.
On Sept. 17, officers responded to Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George on a report of an alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl, according to a probable cause statement filed by the St. George Police Department in support of the arrest.
Ricky Vincente Gonzales, of St. George, Utah, booking photo posted Oct. 20, 2016 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
The juvenile told investigators that she had been raped by 21-year-old Ricky Vincente Gonzales on Sept. 16, the arresting officer wrote in a sworn statement. The juvenile said she had not consented to having sex with Gonzales.
“The (alleged) victim also had text messages from Ricky (Gonzales) after the incident apologizing for what he had done,” the officer wrote in the statement.
As the investigation developed, Gonzales was interviewed by investigators on Oct. 20 at the St. George Police Department. Gonzales was read his Miranda Rights and agreed to talk to authorities.
“Ricky (Gonzales) admitted to having sex with the (17-year-old) female and that it was not consensual,” the officer wrote. “Ricky state he messed up and was sorry for what he had done.”
Gonzales was arrested and transported to the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility.
The Washington County Attorney’s Office filed an information in 5th District Court accusing Gonzales of first-degree felony rape.
Judge G. Michael Westfall, of the 5th District Court, ordered $10,000 bail for Gonzales’ release pending trial.
Gonzales was found indigent by the court during his initial court appearance Friday and will be represented by court-appointed attorney Larry Meyers. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance Oct. 31.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
ST. GEORGE — A couple was arrested in St. George Thursday for their alleged involvement in making and spending counterfeit money. Together, the two were charged with 21 felonies for the counterfeit bills, among other lesser charges.
When police were notified that $180 in counterfeit $20 bills had been passed at a St. George Walgreens, authorities quickly received a break in the case when management of a St. George motel reported finding approximately 15 sheets of counterfeit bills in a trash can.
At 2:51 p.m. Thursday, the owner of the Sands Motel reported finding sheets of counterfeit $20 and $5 bills in the trash can of the room where the suspects had stayed, according to a probable cause statement filed by the St. George Police Department in support of the arrests.
Fatima Flores Urias, Chula Vista, California, booking photo posted Oct. 27, 2016 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
The owner told police that the suspects were still at the motel.
Police responded to the motel and located two suspects, identified as 34-year-old Fatima Flores Urias and 31-year-old Cody James Infanger, both of Chula Vista, California, the arresting officer wrote in a sworn statement.
During an interview, Urias reportedly told police that she arrived in St. George early Wednesday morning with Niki Sue Harvey and Infanger, whom she referred to as her boyfriend, according to the statement.
The three individuals shared a motel room. Urias said when she woke up, Infanger was printing and cutting counterfeit money in the room, the report stated. Urias said she had also seen Infanger printing counterfeit bills in California and that he had been printing bills for approximately two to three weeks.
Later in the day, Harvey reportedly drove Urias and Infanger to Walgreens on Sunset Blvd. to transfer nine counterfeit $20 bills onto a prepaid credit card, the officer wrote in the statement.
Cody James Infanger, Chula Vista, California, booking photo posted Oct. 27, 2016 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
When questioned, Infanger told police he was traveling to Idaho from California with his aunt, Harvey, and his girlfriend, Urias, when the three stopped in St. George.
Infanger said his friend had given him a printer and he had been learning to make counterfeit money over the last two weeks, according to the statement. However, he said Harvey was the one making all the counterfeit bills on his printer for the trip and that she had a criminal history of forgery and fraud.
“Niki (Harvey) and Cody (Infanger) got into a verbal argument because Cody did not have enough real money to drive to Idaho,” the officer stated. “Because they didn’t have enough real money, Niki was trying to make counterfeit bills. Niki told Cody that he needed to put counterfeit bills on her prepaid credit card so they could continue on their trip to Idaho.”
During the investigation, officers located additional counterfeit bills inside Urias’ wallet and in Infanger’s pants pockets, the report stated, as well as the printer and a cutter used to make the bills.
Police also located suspected heroin, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the duo’s possession.
Infanger and Urias were arrested and transported to the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility.
The Washington County Attorney’s Office filed an information in 5th District Court accusing Infanger of 11 third-degree felony counts of possession of a forgery device; two class A misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance and giving false personal information to police; and two class B misdemeanor counts of theft by deception and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Washington County Attorney’s Office filed an information in 5th District Court accusing Urias of 10 third-degree felony counts of possession of a forgery device; two class A misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance; and two class B misdemeanor counts of theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Infanger and Urias are scheduled to appear before Judge John Walton in 5th District Court Nov. 7.
As this report is published, Harvey had not been arrested for her alleged involvement in the counterfeit scheme.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
WASHINGTON COUNTY — A Washington City man was arrested this week and charged with 10 felonies for alleged tax evasion.
Donn Sterling Williams, of Washington City, Utah, booking photo posted Oct. 25, 2016 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
Following an investigation by Utah State Tax Commission special agents, 52-year-old Donn Sterling Williams was charged with five second-degree felony counts of tax evasion and five third-degree felony counts of failing to render a proper tax return.
The charges stem from Williams’ alleged failure to file and pay state income taxes between 2010 and 2015, Utah State Tax Commission spokesman Charlie Roberts said.
“Williams has not filed state income tax returns in successive years despite being notified on numerous occasions by the Tax Commission of this requirement,” Roberts said.
Williams’ tax deficiency is $13,039 with an additional $13,039 due in interest and penalties for a total owing of $26,794, according to an Affidavit of Probable Cause filed by Special Agent Greg Knight in Utah’s 3rd District Court.
“Williams admitted to me that he received tax notices in the mail at his residence but that he ‘disagreed with their wording,’” Knight wrote in the Affidavit. “Williams also admitted to me that he has never filed a tax return.”
After being booked into the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility Tuesday, Williams was released on a $25,000 bond.
“All state income taxes collected are used for public and higher education,” Roberts said, adding, “the Tax Commission continues to aggressively investigate those who evade state income taxes.”
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
Ed. note: The content of this article pertains to violence involving children. Some may consider the details contained in this report to be graphic in nature. Reader discretion is advised.
ST. GEORGE — Google personnel provided authorities with a tip that led to the arrest of a St. George man Tuesday on felony charges of sexual exploitation of a minor.
In April, Google Inc. representatives filed a CyberTipline report notifying authorities that a Google user had uploaded two images of child pornography to their email, according to a probable cause statement filed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in support of the arrest.
Nathan Michael Hill, of St. George, Utah, booking photo posted Nov. 1, 2016 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
Officials reviewed the images and saw a nude 1- to 2-year-old girl lying on her back with her legs spread, the arresting deputy wrote in a sworn statement. A man can also be seen in the photo kneeling next to the baby with an erect penis lying across the baby’s thigh.
Through the IP address provided by Google, the suspect was identified as 40-year-old Nathan Michael Hill, according to the statement.
On Tuesday, members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant on Hill’s residence, the report stated. Hill was located inside the residence and authorities determined he was the only person living in the home.
During the search of Hill’s residence, officials located several different electronic devices, according to the statement.
When authorities viewed an SD card found in Hill’s camera, approximately 20 additional images of child pornography were discovered, the report stated.
“Also, images of young females in bathing suits that appear to have been taken covertly were observed on the SD card,” the deputy wrote in the statement.
When authorities attempted to question him, Hill invoked his Miranda rights and refused to answer any questions.
Hill was arrested and transported to the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility.
The Washington County Attorney’s Office filed an information in 5th District Court accusing Hill of two second-degree felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
Bail for his release pending trial was set at $25,000 cash-only. Hill is scheduled to appear before 5th District Judge John Walton for his initial court appearance Thursday afternoon.
According to Utah Court documents, Hill has an extensive criminal history involving drugs and alcohol, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, assault, criminal trespass, theft and lewdness.
Hill was arrested on lewdness charges in June 2004 and August 2015, and is currently facing a third-degree felony count of lewdness stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred July 10 in Washington County.
In March 1998, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children launched the CyberTipline to further its mission of helping to prevent and diminish the sexual exploitation of children.
More than 12.7 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation have been made to the CyberTipline between 1998 and June 2016, according to the organization’s website.
The CyberTipline provides the public and electronic service providers with the ability to report instances of online enticement of children for sexual acts, extra-familial child sexual molestation, child pornography, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the Internet.
The center reviews CyberTipline reports to ensure reports of children who may be in imminent danger get priority. After the review is completed, all information in a CyberTipline report is made available to law enforcement.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
Ed. note: The content of this article pertains to violence involving children. Some may consider the details contained in this report to be graphic in nature. Reader discretion is advised.
ST. GEORGE — A Dixie State University student was arrested Wednesday on felony charges of sexual exploitation of a minor after he allegedly uploaded child pornography to an online chat room.
A representative of ChatStep filed a CyberTipline report notifying authorities that a ChatStep user going by the screen name “LilBoyLover” had uploaded an image of child pornography to the platform on Sept. 2, according to a probable cause statement filed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in support of the arrest.
Decius Christopher Tho Duran, of St. George, Utah, booking photo posted Nov. 2, 2016 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
On Sept. 4, it was reported that the ChatStep user – this time going by the username “DrunkAsF—“ – had uploaded another image of child pornography to the ChatStep account, the report stated.
Officials reviewed the first image and saw a nude 6- to 8-year-old girl lying on her back being raped by a man, the arresting deputy wrote in a sworn statement. The second image was of a 6- to 8-year-old girl lying on her side being raped by a man.
An analyst checked the American Registry of Internet Numbers which indicated Dixie State University was the Internet Service Provider associated with the two IP addresses, the deputy stated.
A Judicial Order was prepared requesting subscriber information from Dixie State University for the IP addresses reported by ChatStep.
Through the information provided by the University, the suspect was identified as 18-year-old Decius Christopher Tho Duran, who was attending the Fall 2016 semester and was living at the University-owned Abby Apartments, according to the statement.
“Decius (Duran) admitted to viewing and sharing child pornography using the ChatStep platform,” the deputy wrote in the statement. “Decius also admitted to using his phone to download child pornography.”
Duran also told authorities he is a registered sex offender stemming from sexually abusing and manufacturing child pornography of his younger female relatives in Alabama, the report stated.
According to the statement, a forensic preview was completed on Duran’s cellphone in which numerous pictures of child pornography were found – photos depicting sex acts too explicit to detail in this report.
Duran was arrested and transported to the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility.
The Washington County Attorney’s Office filed an information in 5th District Court accusing Duran of three second-degree felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
Judge Eric Ludlow, of the 5th District Court, ordered a $100,000 cash-only bail for Duran’s release pending trial.
Wednesday’s arrest is the second arrest to occur in St. George this week as a result of a CyberTipline investigation.
A tip and IP address provided by Google led to the arrest of 40-year-old Nathan Michael Hill, of St. George, Tuesday. Hill was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor after allegedly uploading photos depicting sex acts with a 1- to 2-year-old girl.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children launched the CyberTipline in March 1998 to further its mission of helping to prevent and diminish the sexual exploitation of children.
More than 12.7 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation have been made to the CyberTipline between 1998 and June 2016, according to the organization’s website.
The CyberTipline provides the public and electronic service providers with the ability to report instances of online enticement of children for sexual acts, extra-familial child sexual molestation, child pornography, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the Internet.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
ST. GEORGE — Two men arrested on child pornography charges last week are now facing 30 additional second-degree felony counts of the same.
Nathan Michael Hill, of St. George, Utah, booking photo posted Nov. 1, 2016 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
A CyberTipline report and IP address provided by Google Inc. led to the arrest of 40-year-old Nathan Michael Hill, of St. George, Nov. 1. Hill was charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor after allegedly uploading photos depicting sex acts with a 1- to 2-year-old girl.
In an unrelated case, 18-year-old Decius Christopher Tho Duran, a Dixie State University student, was arrested the following day. Duran was charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor after a ChatStep representative filed a CyberTipline report notifying authorities that Duran had uploaded an images of a 6- to 8-year-old girl being raped by a man to the ChatStep platform.
Upon review and screening of the investigative materials received in both cases, the Washington County Attorney’s Office Tuesday filed Amended Information in 5th District Court, charging both Hill and Duran of 15 additional second-degree felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
Decius Christopher Tho Duran, of St. George, Utah, booking photo posted Nov. 2, 2016 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
During the searches, investigators allegedly found numerous additional images of child pornography on both men’s electronic devices, according to probable cause statements filed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in support of the arrests.
While Hill invoked his right to remain silent about the allegations, according to the Sheriff’s Office, Duran reportedly admitted to viewing and sharing child pornography.
Duran also told authorities he is a registered sex offender stemming from sexually abusing and manufacturing child pornography of his younger female relatives, according to the report.
Both men were arrested and transported to the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility. As this report is published, the two remain in police custody.
Both men were found indigent by the court during their respective initial court appearances last week and will be represented by court-appointed attorneys.
Hill and Duran are both scheduled to make their next appearance in court Monday afternoon.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children launched the CyberTipline in March 1998 to further its mission of helping to prevent and diminish the sexual exploitation of children.
More than 12.7 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation have been made to the CyberTipline between 1998 and June 2016, according to the organization’s website.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
ST. GEORGE — A search warrant executed Monday in an area of the Arizona Strip on the Utah-Arizona border resulted in five felony arrests and the seizure of multiple firearms. Authorities said the suspects have been supplying heroin and methamphetamine to residents along the rural areas in both states.
A screenshot of a map showing an area of North Stagger Mountain Road on the Arizona Strip where a search warrant was executed resulting in the arrest of five suspects who officials said have been supplying heroin and methamphetamine to residents along the rural areas on the Utah-Arizona border | Image courtesy of Google maps, St. George News
Tuesday’s arrests came on the heels of a three month investigation by the Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team into a drug trafficking organization living in an area of the Arizona Strip on the 700 block of North Stagger Mountain Road.
Investigators determined that the residents of the property were the main source of heroin and methamphetamine impacting the quality of life for citizens in Fredonia, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah, Kingman Police said in a statement.
The investigation – dubbed “Operation County Line” – resulted in purchases of methamphetamine from suspects at the property over the three month period, officials said in the statement. However, history of drug related arrests stemming from the Stagger Mountain property went back two years.
The property – described by authorities as approximately 1 acre in size with five livable residences and approximately 75 vehicles – is located a few hundred feet into Mohave County from the Coconino County border on the Arizona Strip.
A screenshot of a map showing a property on North Stagger Mountain Road on the Arizona Strip where a search warrant was executed resulting in the arrest of five suspects who officials said have been supplying heroin and methamphetamine to residents along the rural areas on the Utah-Arizona border | Image courtesy of Google maps, St. George News
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Operations Unit and the Arizona Department of Public Safety SWAT Team executed the search warrant at the property during the early morning hours Tuesday.
During a search of the property, four guns and several items of contraband were seized.
The following suspects were arrested Tuesday at the time the search warrant was executed:
Richard Glenn Jessop, 64, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, was charged with two felonies for conspiracy to commit narcotic drugs for sale and conspiracy to commit dangerous drugs for sale.
Richard G. Jessop, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, Arizona, booking photo posted Nov. 21, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Kingman Police Department, St. George News
Melinda Lark Atwood-Evenson, 47, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, was charged with possession for sale of dangerous drugs, trafficking in dangerous drugs for sale, and conspiracy to commit sale of narcotic drugs.
Theodore Lawrence Jessop, 30, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, was charged with conspiracy to commit dangerous drugs for sale, conspiracy to commit narcotic drugs for sale, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Joshua Glenn Jessop, 28, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, was charged with possession of weapon by prohibited possessor, conspiracy to commit narcotic drugs for sale, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Ephraim Ernest Black, 28, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Katie D. Millet, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, Arizona, booking photo posted Nov. 21, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Kingman Police Department, St. George News
Prior to the search warrant, two other suspects were arrested Nov. 4 in relation to the operation.
Katie Dawn Millett, 27, and Danny Allen Markland, 49, both of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, were arrested on drug-related charges, including possession of narcotic drugs for sale, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and conspiracy to commit dangerous drugs for sale.
The Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team; the High Intensity Drug Task Areas program, a federal initiative; and an Arizona Criminal Justice Commission supported task force thanked the Washington County and Kane County sheriff’s offices for assistance in the investigation.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
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A screenshot of a map showing an area of North Stagger Mountain Road on the Arizona Strip where a search warrant was executed resulting in the arrest of five suspects who officials said have been supplying heroin and methamphetamine to residents along the rural areas on the Utah-Arizona border | Image courtesy of Google maps, St. George News
A screenshot of a map showing a property on North Stagger Mountain Road on the Arizona Strip where a search warrant was executed resulting in the arrest of five suspects who officials said have been supplying heroin and methamphetamine to residents along the rural areas on the Utah-Arizona border | Image courtesy of Google maps, St. George News
Theodore Lawrence Jessop,
of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, Arizona, booking photo posted Nov. 21, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Kingman Police Department, St. George News
Joshua G. Jessop, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, Arizona, booking photo posted Nov. 21, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Kingman Police Department, St. George News
Ephraim Ernest Black, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, Arizona, booking photo posted Nov. 21, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Kingman Police Department, St. George News
Richard G. Jessop, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, Arizona, booking photo posted Nov. 21, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Kingman Police Department, St. George News
Melinda L. Atwood-Evenson, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, Arizona, booking photo posted Nov. 21, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Kingman Police Department, St. George News
Danny Allen Markland, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, Arizona, booking photo posted Nov. 21, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Kingman Police Department, St. George News
Katie D. Millet, of an unincorporated area of Mohave County, Arizona, booking photo posted Nov. 21, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Kingman Police Department, St. George News
ST. GEORGE — A suspect believed by police to be tied to a rash of burglaries, thefts and stolen vehicles over the last several weeks in the St. George and Mesquite, Nevada, areas has been arrested. The suspect was also wanted by police for his alleged involvement in a home invasion robbery and kidnapping.
Erik Rasmusson, of Las Vegas, Nevada, booking photo posted Nov. 22, 2016 | Photo courtesy of the Mesquite Nevada Police Department, St. George News
Police were able to make contact with the suspect – identified as Erik Rasmusson, 35, of Las Vegas – in Mesquite Tuesday and ultimately take him into custody, according to a statement issued Monday by the Mesquite Police Department.
The Mesquite Police Department began investigating after the area in its jurisdiction had reportedly fallen victim to a barrage of burglaries, vehicle burglaries and stolen vehicles.
“Detectives have been working overtime processing many crime scenes and collecting evidence,” Mesquite Police officials said, “while proactively working multiple cases they believed to be tied to the same suspects.”
Rasmusson was charged with two felony counts of burglary, one felony count of unlawful use of a credit card without the owner’s consent and two felony counts of possession of a gun by a prohibited person.
As this report is published, Mesquite Police detectives are actively investigating and processing a large amount of property and evidence related to the rash of burglary and stolen vehicle cases which recently occurred in Mesquite.
“Additional charges will be filed on Rasmusson once all of the investigations are completed,” officials said. “(Rasmusson) is also being investigated and may face additional charges in the St. George area which may be related to the Mesquite Police investigation.”
Due to the felony charges, Rasmusson was transported and booked into the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas.
In addition to the theft investigation, authorities said Rasmusson was actively being sought by law enforcement throughout Clark County for a felony arrest warrant issued by the Las Vegas Justice Court for Rasmusson’s alleged involvement in a home invasion robbery and kidnapping involving a firearm.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
Angel Garcia was booked into the Iron County Correctional Facility after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase. Cedar City, Utah, Dec. 2, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Iron County Sheriff’s Office, St. George / Cedar City News
CEDAR CITY – Two suspects are in jail Friday after they allegedly threw a bag of marijuana out the window of their vehicle while leading police on a high-speed chase down the interstate the night before.
Cedar City residents Angel Garcia and Melissa Marie Hattabaugh-Bugg were booked into the Iron County Correctional Facility early Friday morning on multiple charges.
Cedar City Police attempted to pull Garcia over at around 9:30 p.m. Thursday for a routine traffic stop near the block of 1000 W. 200 North. Garcia would not stop and instead kept driving, ultimately entering Interstate-15.
Once on the interstate, Garcia allegedly led police on a high-speed chase. The vehicle, heading south, topped out at 100 miles per hour, Sgt. Jerry Womack said.
At around milepost 45, the vehicle made a U-turn through the median and began traveling north toward Cedar City again but not before the suspects rid their vehicle of a bag of marijuana, authorities said.
Law enforcement agents searched for several hours near milepost 57 where they reportedly saw the bag thrown out the window.
Melissa Marie Hattabaugh-Bugg was one of two suspects booked into the Iron County Correctional Facility after allegedly throwing a bag of marijuana out a vehicle window during a high-speed chase with police. Cedar City, Utah, Dec. 2, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Iron County Sheriff’s Office, St. George / Cedar City News
Womack was unsure of the exact time police finally located the bag.
Garcia pulled his vehicle over at milepost 50, which allowed police to conduct a felony stop.
Garcia faces a third-degree felony for possession of drugs between 1 to 100 pounds with intent to distribute and three Class B misdemeanors for reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without insurance.
Hattabaugh-Bugg is facing a class B misdemeanor for possession of drugs under 1 ounce.
In addition, both suspects are looking at charges for tampering with evidence. a Class A misdemeanor.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
UTAH — A preliminary hearing for a 53-year-old Idaho man who was arrested after being caught wandering naked on the grounds of a Mormon temple while “looking for a wife” has been scheduled for Dec. 19.
Kelly Thayne Archibald, of Franklin, Idaho, booking photo posted Nov. 13, 2016 | Photo courtesy of the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
On Nov. 13, witnesses reported seeing the man, identified as Kelly Thayne Archibald, in all his naked glory after he dropped a blanket he had wrapped around his waist.
The nude man then proceeded to climb the gate of the Logan temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to the Logan Police Department.
Archibald, a convicted sex offender, told investigators he was naked because that’s how he entered the world, police said.
His truck was found parked on a nearby sidewalk, the Herald-Journal reported, but there was no clothing inside.
Archibald was arrested and booked into the Cache County Jail.
The Cache County Attorney’s Office filed an Information in 1st District Court accusing Archibald of third-degree felony lewdness by a sex offender, class B misdemeanor criminal trespass and an infraction for disorderly conduct.
Monday, during an Initial Appearance before Judge Thomas Willmore, Archibald’s attorney, Michael McGinnis, requested a preliminary hearing set for Dec. 19 at 1:30 p.m., according to court documents.
McGinnis also requested that Archibald’s ordered bail amount of $5,000 be reduced. The prosecution, however, objected, and the court did not reduce the bail.
According to the Herald-Journal, Archibald served prison time in Idaho after pleading guilty in 2008 to sexually abusing a child under 16.
His prior conviction for a sexual offense enhances the lewdness charge from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
CEDAR CITY – A California man is in jail after allegedly flagging down a driver and then forcing her to run from police, but the woman instead drove him to another officer located just minutes away on the side of the freeway.
Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Burdett arrested Michael Wahhab, 31, Wednesday on a third-degree felony for evading police.
Wahhab allegedly ran from police while Burdett was attempting to arrest him on a California warrant for parole violation.
Burdett found Wahhab’s warrant after making a routine traffic stop on a vehicle traveling north on Interstate 15 near mile marker 122, just north of Beaver.
Wahhab, who was the rear passenger, was not wearing his seat belt prompting Burdett to ask for the man’s identification, according to the trooper.
When Burdett tried to arrest Wahhab on the warrant the man took off on foot and flagged down a vehicle traveling south.
The female driver drove just a short distance before she saw a K9 trooper on the side of the freeway where she stopped her vehicle, jumped out and ran, Lt. Steve Esplin said.
At that time, the officer pulled Wahhab out of the vehicle and arrested him.
“The K9 trooper told him not to move or he’d get the K9 out of his vehicle,” Esplin said. “He complied at that point.”
In addition to the felony evasion charge, Wahhab was booked into the Beaver County Jail on a Class B misdemeanor for possession of paraphernalia.
The driver of the vehicle Wahhab was first traveling in was cited with a traffic violation and released, Burdett said.
Roger Deamer, 71, was arrested Monday on allegations he stole more than $30,000 from his own business, Cedar City, Utah, De.c. 14, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Iron County Sheriff’s Office, St. George / Cedar City News
CEDAR CITY – Police arrested a Cedar City business owner and his wife last week following an investigation that showed the couple had allegedly scammed more than $30,000 from the business.
Roger Deamer, 71, and Mirna Consuelo Najarro Deamer, 40, are currently facing a second-degree felony theft charge in connection with a string of thefts involving his business, Rocky Mountain Furniture located at 174 West 200 north. The couple was arrested on the allegations Wednesday.
According to charging documents filed in 5th District Court Wednesday, the alleged victim in the case is the co-owner of the business who alleges Roger Deamer has taken thousands of dollars from both her personal funds and the business.
A separate civil complaint filed December 13, by the victim against Roger Deamer shows the two separated in 2014. At that time, the court awarded each party 50 percent of the business.
“This included all aspects of the business, real property where the business was conducted, assets, accounts receivable, and any other benefit owned or operated by the business,” court records state.
However, financial documents from State Bank of Southern Utah indicate that one point Deamer removed the victim’s name from the business account, denying her any access to the account information.
Mirna Deamer, 40, was arrested Monday on allegations she helped steal more than $30,000 from his own business, Cedar City, Utah, De.c. 14, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Iron County Sheriff’s Office, St. George / Cedar City News
He then reportedly paid himself more than his allotted share multiple times, Cedar City Det. Mike Bleak wrote in his report.
“There is one month where Deamer is paid over $15,000 more than the agreed amount,” Bleak said. “There are also multiple examples where Deamer takes cash from the cash drawer and pockets it.”
Surveillance cameras installed in the store by the alleged victim after she noticed money was missing allegedly showed Roger Deamer removing money and accounting slips on multiple occasions, court documents said.
According to Bleak’s report, video footage also shows Mirna Deamer, “running interference,” for her husband.
“She will intercept an incoming employee or customer and distract them while Roger pockets the money,” Bleak said.
The footage then shows the couple meet in a different part of the store where he hands her the money to put in her purse before the two left the building.
A search warrant for the Deamer residence found incidents where funds had been diverted in to personal bank account belonging to the wife at Wells Fargo, Bleak said.
The legal business contract between the victim and Roger Deamer reportedly prohibits Mirna Deamer from receiving any payment from the business since she has no financial interest and is an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, the court records state.
Authorities said they believe Mirna Deamer is involved in assisting her husband take more than $30,000 from the business and the co-owner.
The couple were booked into the Iron County Correctional Facility on Wednesday and were later released after each of them posted $10,000 bail.
UTAH — A 23-year-old man was sentenced Monday to seven years to life in prison for trying to kill his girlfriend, whom he believed was pregnant, by hanging her from a Utah overpass.
Juan Echeveste Alba, of Utah, booking photo posted July 1, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Jail, St. George News
Juan Echeveste Alba had been upset over learning that his girlfriend might be pregnant and that she was uncertain of the father, according to Utah court documents filed in the case.
The woman told police Echeveste Alba was waiting outside her Salt Lake area home when she arrived on July 1, and that he forced her into his vehicle, charging documents state. She said he punched her several times, noting that many of the punches seemed to be aimed at her stomach.
Echeveste Alba drove the woman to Parleys Canyon overpass at Interstate 80 Exit 131, court documents state. Once there, the woman told police he punched her several more times before getting a rope from the trunk of his car – ultimately tying one end of the rope to his car and wrapping the other end of the rope around his girlfriend’s neck.
He then told the woman he was going to kill her for lying to him, according to court documents. When the woman managed to get the rope off her neck, Echeveste Alba began to strangle her with his hands to the point she said she couldn’t breathe.
At about that time, four Unified Fire Authority firefighters, who were in the area responding to a report of smoke, observed Echeveste Alba shoving the woman against a wall and pulling on the rope, according to officials.
When Echeveste Alba saw the firefighters, he pushed the woman into his car and tried to take off, but the firefighters pulled him out and detained him until Utah Highway Patrol troopers arrived and arrested him.
During the investigation, it was determined that the victim was not pregnant.
Notwithstanding, Echeveste Alba was charged in 3rd District Court with two first-degree felony counts of attempted murder and one first-degree count of aggravated kidnapping.
In September, he pleaded guilty in September to both attempted murder counts and to a reduced second-degree felony count of kidnapping.
Echeveste Alba was sentenced Monday to three years to life in prison on each of the attempted murder counts, and one to 15 years for the kidnapping count.
ST. GEORGE — A man who allegedly broke into a St. George home on Christmas Eve while the owners were out of town and then led police on a chase in a stolen vehicle made his initial appearance in court Thursday.
Just after 5 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a residential burglary in St. George where it was reported that an unknown individual had forced entry into a home by smashing a large window.
Fernando Torres-Sanchez, of Milford, Utah, booking photo posted Dec. 24, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
The suspect later exited the home carrying a black bag which appeared to contain items stolen from the home, according to a probable cause statement filed by the St. George Police Department in support of the arrest.
No one was inside the residence at the time as its occupants were reportedly out of town.
Before the suspect left the scene of the alleged crime, a quick-thinking neighbor who witnessed the incident took a photo of the suspect’s license plate and vehicle – a blue Hyundai Santa Fe – and called police.
Police contacted the homeowners who confirmed that the house should have been secured and that nobody was supposed to be inside, the arresting officer wrote in a sworn statement.
At approximately 6:28 p.m., a St. George Police sergeant located the suspect vehicle traveling south on River Road near 680 South, according to the statement. The sergeant observed the driver make an improper left turn onto Riverside Drive, cross the fog line and jerk back over before accelerating the vehicle to more than 50 mph in a 40-mph zone.
“The roads were wet and it was raining heavily,” the arresting officer stated. “This driving was believed to be reckless based on the three or more moving violations to include speeding, too fast for conditions, improper lane of travel and improper turn.”
After additional officers were able to respond and assist, police initiated a stop of the vehicle at 950 N. 3050 East in St. George, according to the probable cause statement. However, the driver of the vehicle continued north and turned right onto Telegraph Street in Washington City before turning into the parking lot of Zion’s Bank.
“There were approximately six or seven police vehicles with their emergency lights and sirens on from the time the original stop was attempted,” the officer stated. “… The driver willfully ignored the many red and blue emergency lights and sirens and continued to drive.”
When the driver attempted to exit the parking lot, an officer blocked the exit with his patrol car and the driver subsequently stopped the car, according to the statement. The driver verbally identified himself to police as 49-year-old Fernando Torres-Sanchez, but police were unable to confirm his identity because he had no identification on his person.
After a search warrant was executed on the vehicle, police identified the registered owner of the car who confirmed the vehicle had been stolen, the report stated.
During an interview with police, Torres-Sanchez allegedly admitted to taking the vehicle at approximately 4 p.m. Sunday, but denied knowing anything about the residential burglary, according to the statement. However, officers recovered a black bag from inside the stolen car that was consistent with the description provided by the witness.
The homeowners positively identified the black bag, along with a modem and a router found inside, as items that had been stolen from their home. Damage to the homeowner’s window, blinds and doorknob was estimated to be around $475.
Torres-Sanchez was arrested and transported to the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility.
The Washington County Attorney’s Office filed an information in 5th District Court accusing Torres-Sanchez of two second-degree felony counts of burglary of a dwelling and theft; a third-degree felony of failing to stop at the command of police; three class B misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief, theft by receiving stolen property and reckless driving; and an infraction for not having his driver’s license.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
ST. GEORGE — A St. George man, who evidently did not want to go to jail Wednesday, is now facing a lengthier jail sentence after trying to flee a St. George courthouse – assaulting a probation officer in the process – as a court bailiff attempted to take him into custody.
Court proceedings were underway in Judge G. Michael Westfall’s courtroom at the 5th District Courthouse in St. George Wednesday when, at approximately 2:15 p.m., 28-year-old Michael Ray Smith Jr. appeared before the judge for a review hearing.
Michael Ray Smith Jr., of St. George, Utah, booking photo posted Jan. 1, 2017 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
Smith had sentence hearings already scheduled in two pending cases involving felony theft and identity fraud, among other charges, when he found himself in court again facing a barrage of similar charges, according to court documents.
During the hearing, Smith’s defense attorney, Trevor Terry, requested that the court continue sentencing in Smith’s other cases and set all his cases for Jan. 18.
Accordingly, prosecuting attorney James Weeks requested to have Smith remanded. Judge Westfall agreed and ordered Smith be remanded to the custody of the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility.
However, when the bailiff attempted to take Smith into custody off the courtroom floor, Smith wasn’t having it and ran toward the doors in an attempt to flee, according to a probable cause statement filed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in support of his arrest.
A private probation officer attempted to intervene and block Smith’s exit, according to the statement.
“Smith rammed into the agent, dragging him down the hallway in his attempted escape,” the arresting deputy wrote in a sworn statement. “The probation officer sustained small lacerations and abrasions to the right side of his face from the altercation.”
Smith then made an effort to flee the courthouse using the stairway in the fire exit as the bailiff pursued after him while giving him verbal commands to stop, the report stated.
“After observing the assault between the probation officer and Smith, along with his failure to comply with my commands,” the deputy wrote in the statement, “I deployed my TASER. The TASER was ineffective but distracted Smith, causing him to run into a wall.”
After hitting the wall, Smith was taken into custody and transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George for medical clearance before subsequently being booked into jail.
The Washington County Attorney’s Office filed an information in 5th District Court accusing Smith of third-degree felony escape from official custody, class A misdemeanor failure to stop at the command of law enforcement and class B misdemeanor assault.
Following the ordeal, the court ordered Smith be held without bail.
According to Utah court documents, a July 27, 2016, incident led to Smith being found guilty on charges of third-degree felony possession of another’s identifying documents and second-degree burglary of a dwelling, which was amended to a third-degree felony as part of a plea agreement.
As the result of a crime committed Sept. 14, 2016, Smith was found guilty of two third-degree felony counts of identity fraud and possession of another’s identifying documents, along with a class A misdemeanor count of providing false information to police with the intent to be another actual person, according to court documents.
He was later arrested Nov. 28, 2016, on charges of third-degree felony theft, class A misdemeanor drug possession and class B misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Smith was then arrested Dec. 10, 2016, on a class B misdemeanor count of retail theft. And, again, Dec. 14, 2016, on five third-degree felony counts of possession of another’s identifying documents, retail theft and theft by deception, two class A misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance and a class A misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
ST. GEORGE — The Washington County Drug Task Force arrested three men and a woman on a variety of charges Friday evening during a search of a St. George residence. Police also recovered a stolen $4,000 bicycle in the process.
The task force executed a narcotics search warrant at the home, located on the 200 West block of 200 North, according to probable cause statements filed by the Washington County Drug Task Force in support of the arrests. The search warrant included all people present at the residence when the search warrant was executed.
Coby Scot Gordon, of St. George, Utah, booking photo posted Jan. 13, 2017 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
Officers arrested 31-year-old Coby Scot Gordon, 20-year-old Nichole Elizabeth Jones, 34-year-old William Maurice Pridgen and 24-year-old William Frank Owen, all of St. George.
Gordon, who was found to be a resident of the home where the search warrant was served, allegedly had heroin on his person, according to the probable cause statements. During a search of his bedroom, detectives discovered methamphetamine pipes with residue that tested positive for meth.
Neither Gordon nor his girlfriend, identified by police as Jones, claimed ownership of the drug-related items located in their shared room, the arresting officer wrote in a sworn statement.
Nichole Elizabeth Jones, booking photo posted Jan. 13, 2017 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
Detectives also allegedly found heroin inside Jones’ shoes, according to the statement.
During a search of the home’s garage, detectives observed a mountain bike with a value in excess of $4,000 that appeared to be “out of place,” the report stated. Records showed that the bicycle had been reported stolen to the St. George Police Department.
When detectives interviewed Pridgen, who was located at the home during the search warrant execution, he allegedly admitted that he and Gordon had previously entered an open garage of a residence and that the two had stolen the bicycle from the residence, according to the statement.
Gordon, however, denied any knowledge of the bicycle being stolen, the report stated.
William Maurice Pridgen, booking photo posted Jan. 13, 2017 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
When Owen was located in the residence at the time of the search, he was allegedly found to have a used syringe stored behind his ear with residue in it that tested positive for heroin, the report stated, noting that Owen allegedly admitted to using heroin that day.
Owen was also found by detectives to have several prior convictions for drug offenses, as well as an active warrant for his arrest.
The four were booked into the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility.
Gordon was charged with second-degree felony burglary of a dwelling, third-degree felony theft, two class A misdemeanor counts of drug possession and a class B misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
William Frank Owen, booking photo posted Jan. 13, 2017 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
“Coby (Gordon) has a significant criminal history with numerous convictions for various theft offenses,” the arresting officer stated. “As a result, his theft charge is enhanced.”
Pridgen was charged with second-degree felony burglary of a dwelling, two third-degree felony counts of theft and transporting contraband into jail, class A misdemeanor drug possession and class B misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
While being booked into jail, Pridgen was allegedly caught attempting to conceal drugs on his person, according to officials.
Jones was charged with two class A misdemeanor counts of drug possession and a class B misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Owen was charged with a class A misdemeanor count of drug possession and a class B misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
ST. GEORGE — Mesquite Police narcotics detectives arrested a 46-year-old man on a variety of felony drug charges Wednesday after he was allegedly found to be selling crystal methamphetamine out of his home in Mesquite, Nevada.
Christopher Stevens, of Mesquite, Nevada, booking photo posted Jan. 18, 2017 | Photo courtesy of the Mesquite Police Department, St. George News
“The narcotics detectives had been working a lengthy investigation which involved the suspect trafficking methamphetamines, selling it out of his home and allowing it to be used inside of his home,” according to a statement issued Friday by the Mesquite Police Department.
Police said they were able to safely take Christopher Stevens into custody while he was traveling in his vehicle. Once Stevens was in custody, detectives served a search warrant on his vehicle as well as his residence.
“Multiple items of evidence were recovered during the searches,” according to the statement, “and as the investigation is still ongoing, more criminal charges are pending.”
Stevens was charged with two felony counts of selling methamphetamine, two felony counts of trafficking methamphetamine, two felony counts of conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substance Act, along with one felony count of maintaining a place to sell and/or use drugs.
Due to the felony charges, police said Stevens was transported and booked into the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
ST. GEORGE — An Arizona man was arrested on 15 felony charges over the weekend after allegedly shooting at four kayakers as they paddled past his property and then holding three of them at gunpoint.
A group of four friends from Flagstaff, Arizona, told officials they were kayaking down Burro Creek and were about a mile downstream from the Burro Creek Campground when they heard a gunshot and saw an elderly man standing on the riverbank with a “large silver gun,” Mohave County Sheriff’s Spokesperson Trish Carter said in a statement.
Danny Eugene Button, of Mohave County, Arizona, booking photo posted Feb. 5, 2017 | Photo courtesy of Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
The kayakers reported that the man, later identified as 66-year-old Danny Button, fired four more rounds. One round hit the water near the lead kayaker, who subsequently began paddling “extremely fast” and got away, Carter said, as Button ordered the remaining three kayakers out of the water at gunpoint.
The kayakers reportedly pleaded with Button to let them go to look for their friend as they feared he may be injured, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Button told them they were on his property and later ordered them to grab their boats and walk back to the campground.
Deputies responded to the area at approximately 3:32 p.m. Saturday and found two of the kayakers at the Burro Creek Campground. They found a third kayaker at a landing waiting for the fourth, who hadn’t returned.
Search and Rescue crews responded and initiated a search for the missing 47-year-old kayaker, who was subsequently found 19 hours later about 7 miles south of Burro Creek Campgrounds, the sheriff’s office said, noting that the man was in good health.
The man reported hearing a couple gunshots before realizing he was the target, deputies said, which prompted him to roll his kayak upside down in the water as shots were fired.
“The (alleged) victim said that he stayed upside down as long as possible before he rolled back up and heard a male subject say, ‘This one is not going to miss,’” Carter said. “The (alleged) victim further said that he paddled as fast as he could to escape.”
The man reportedly continued on to the group’s planned destination but said he didn’t make it before darkness, so he ended up camping and hiding out, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities located Button on his property at approximately 10:45 p.m. Saturday and arrested him shortly thereafter, Carter said, adding that his .45-caliber Ruger revolver was taken as evidence.
Button told deputies he was target shooting on his property and then said the kayakers were trespassing, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Button was booked into the Mohave County Jail Saturday on three felony counts of unlawful imprisonment, three felony counts of kidnapping, three felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and three felony counts of endangerment.
After the fourth kayaker was found Sunday, Button was charged with three additional felony counts of disorderly conduct with a weapon, endangerment and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Deputies confirmed that property owners do not have the rights to the waterways.
Approximately 30 Search and Rescue members, the Department of Public Safety Kingman Ranger and DPS Flagstaff Ranger assisted in the search for the missing kayaker.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
ST. GEORGE — A St. George businessman was arrested Wednesday on 16 charges in connection with the ongoing investigation of five Washington County massage parlors allegedly involved in criminal activity.
Brett Allan Labrum, 48, of Washington City, was booked into the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility Wednesday on a second-degree felony count of forcible sexual abuse, four class A misdemeanor counts of not having a massage parlor business license, six class B misdemeanor counts of lewdness and five class B misdemeanor counts of sexual solicitation.
Brett Allan Labrum, of Washington City, booking photo posted Feb. 8, 2017 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
On Jan. 10 and Jan. 11, as part of a multiagency operation and investigation into prostitution, sexual solicitation and Utah business license violations, search warrants were served at Japan Massage, Golden Coast Massage and Massage Therapy, each located in St. George, along with Dixie Massage, with locations in both St. George and Washington City.
“Several arrests were made during the two-day operation,” St. George Police Officer Lona Trombley said Thursday. “The investigation has been ongoing as a large amount of collected data was analyzed and many interviews were conducted.”
Authorities arrested Labrum – who was determined to be the owner of both Dixie Massage businesses – after analyzing data and evidence collected at the two parlors and conducting interviews, Trombley said.
According to a probable cause statement filed by the St. George Police Department in connection with Labrum’s arrest, an investigation into Dixie Massage, located at 225 N. Bluff St. in St. George, was initiated in June 2016 after information was gathered indicating sex acts had been taking place in the establishment.
Investigators began conducting surveillance on the establishment and found a vehicle registered to Labrum would frequent the establishment. Authorities discovered this office space was rented to Labrum, according to the statement. Investigators followed Labrum’s vehicle to a second establishment located at 43 N. 300 West in Washington City and found this office space also rented in Labrum’s name.
A search warrant was obtained to place a tracker on Labrum’s vehicle, which allegedly showed his vehicle frequenting both establishments almost daily – many times, numerous times per day, the report stated.
“Investigators sent multiple undercover officers into both establishments posing as clients seeking body massages,” the arresting officer wrote in the sworn statement. “During the undercover operations, the officers were able to negotiate sex acts in exchange for money. The acts were declined by the undercover officers.”
When investigators executed search warrants on both massage parlors Jan. 10, they seized phones, tablets, laptops and surveillance systems from both locations and questioned Labrum at the St. George Police Department.
During the interview, Labrum reportedly told police that he had purchased Dixie Massage in September 2016 and that there were four Asian female employees that worked there as needed, according to the statement.
“He further admitted to scheduling all appointments for the employees knowing they were not licensed to be giving full body massages,” the arresting officer wrote. “Labrum denied any knowledge of sex acts occurring in his establishment.”
Labrum’s alleged knowledge of the women not being licensed subsequently resulted in Wednesday’s four charges of not having a massage parlor business license.
At that time, investigators decided not to arrest Labrum until they had reviewed information found on the electronic devices that had been seized, the report stated.
Meanwhile, authorities questioned the Asian women working at the establishment. One of the women reportedly told investigators she had worked at Dixie Massage since November 2015.
While undercover officers were reportedly able to negotiate sex acts at the establishment in exchange for money, according to the probable cause statement, Labrum allegedly was not.
According to the statement, the woman allegedly told authorities that on five different occasions prior to Labrum buying the establishment, he requested she perform a sexual act on him. These allegations are the basis of the five charges of sexual solicitation brought against Labrum.
The woman told police she declined Labrum’s request which, she alleged, prompted Labrum to perform the sex act on himself in front of her. This allegation is the basis of the lewdness charge against Labrum.
A second woman told investigators she had worked at Dixie Massage since March 2016. During questioning, the woman reportedly told police about two interactions with Labrum, one while he was a client and one while he was the owner.
During the first incident, the woman allegedly told police she was giving Labrum a massage when he grabbed her hand and placed it on his genitalia, but she pulled her hand away, the officer wrote in his statement. This allegation resulted in Labrum’s second-degree felony count of forcible sexual abuse.
According to the statement, the woman told police the second incident occurred when Labrum allegedly performed a sex act on himself in front of her. This allegation resulted in the additional lewdness charge against him.
St. George News spoke with Labrum’s defense attorney, Jay Winward, about the charges and allegations. Winward released the following statement:
We dispute the allegations. We have been cooperating with the investigation since early January. We look forward to the litigation process.
Following his arrest Wednesday, Labrum was released from custody on $25,280 bail pending trial.
Trombley said the investigation is ongoing, noting that the St. George Police Department has been assisted in the operation by Homeland Security Investigations, Operation Underground Railroad, Utah Statewide Intelligence and Analysis Center, the Department of Professional Licensing, Washington City Police Department, Asian Association of Utah, Utah Attorney General’s Office and the Washington County Attorney’s Office.
As this report is published, the St. George Police Department had not confirmed whether the two witnesses in the case may have had any concerns about their alien status.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
