LOGAN — A former Logan City Police officer has been ordered to serve one year in jail and four years of probation, after being arrested in a domestic violence case more than three years ago. The sentence came after the victim called the defendant a monster who pretended to hero in the community.
Michael Ryan Montoya, 34, was sentenced Monday, April 21 in Logan’s 1st District Court. He previously pleaded “no contest” to aggravated assault, a second-degree felony; stalking, a third-degree felony; and three counts of sexual battery, a class A misdemeanor.
According to prosecutors, the victim reported multiple instances of domestic violence involving Montoya on July 18, 2022. During one incident, the victim said, she and Montoya were arguing in their Wellsville home when he “plowed (her) over using his chest and bodyweight to hit her,” Cache County Sheriff’s deputies reported. The woman said she fell backward and hit her head on the wall.
The victim reported Montoya later discouraged her from seeking medical care for a head injury and bruising, noting that if she told doctors she was knocked down during an argument they’d have to report it to law enforcement.
During Monday’s sentencing, the victim discussed the years of physical and sexual abuse she endured. She said the fear her family witnessed should never have happened, and she appreciated the men and women in Cache County who believed her.
“Michael used his position as a police officer to control and abuse us,” the victim told the court. “He was no better than the people he arrested.”
Montoya declined to make any statement during the 30 minute hearing. His defense attorney reminded the court, the plea agreement recommended a one year jail term, but asked for that sentence to be served in Emery County, so the defendant wouldn’t be housed with inmates that he possibly arrested.
Cache County Deputy Attorney Joshua Nemeth said what happened in this case was “absolutely inexcusable and should never be tolerated in our community.” He explained the plea agreement was worked out between prosecutors, the victim and the defendant, in an effort to find a balanced resolution.
Judge Angela Fonnesbeck said she had considered rejecting the plea deal, especially since Montoya didn’t even have the “decency to apologize.” She expressed disgust with his behavior and said he had brought dishonor to law enforcement throughout the community.
According to Logan City Police Chief Jeff Simmons, Montoya had been with the police department for several years but was placed on unpaid leave immediately after being arrested in August 2022. He submitted a letter of resignation a month later, and has had no association with the department since.
Montoya was sentenced to 364 days in the Emery County Jail, followed by 48 months of probation. He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim.