LOGAN — A 20-year-old West Valley City man has been sentenced to prison for driving to Logan to have sex with an undercover police officer, posing as a teenage girl. Seth Ellis Peck was ordered to serve three-years-to-life at the Utah State Correctional Facility.
According to court records, Peck was sentenced Sept. 23, in Logan’s First District Court. He previously pleaded guilty in a plea deal, confessing to attempted sodomy of a child, a first-degree felony; and enticing a minor, a second-degree felony.
In July 2023, Peck began communicating with the Logan City Police officer. The officer was posing as a 13-year-old girl on a website, where users post messages to groups based on the university or college they attend.
Peck originally told the officer he was 17-years-old. The chats continued until the defendant made arrangements to meet the supposed teenager and engage in sexual activities.
A time and place was set up, where police were waiting when Peck arrived. He reportedly had several condoms and lubricant in a backpack, according to prosecutors.
Peck consented to let police search his phone, where the chats were located. He originally said, he was planning to call police when he arrived and met the girl, so they could question her about communicating with him. He later confessed to wanting to engage in illegal acts with the supposed juvenile.
During Peck’s sentencing, defense attorney Michael McGinnis asked the court for a lighter sentence, claiming that putting the defendant in prison could have a negative effect on his future. He pointed out that his client knew better and was considered a low risk to the community.
Peck apologized to his family and friends for what he had done. He promised to make changes in his life so as to never be arrested again.
Cache County Deputy Attorney Joshua Nemeth asked the court to send Peck to prison. He said members of the community cannot stand for this type of conduct.
Judge Angela Fonnesbeck said she could not ignore the attempts Peck made to have sex with a child, even though he was young and his brain is likely not fully developed yet. She stated it was her obligation to protect the public but said she would recommend he be given credit for time already served.