Booking photo for Richard Edwards Petersen. (Photo: Cache County Jail)
LOGAN — A 31-year-old Cove man has been sentenced to jail for trying to strangle a woman during a domestic dispute last year. Richard E. Petersen was ordered to serve 60 days but given credit for 45 days already served.
Petersen was sentenced during a virtual hearing in 1st District Court Wednesday morning, appearing by web conference from the Cache County Jail. He previously accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to assault and violating a protective order, both class A misdemeanors; and domestic violence in the presence of a child, a class B misdemeanor.
Petersen was arrested after Cache County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the domestic dispute at his home Dec. 26. The victim said Petersen had placed his forearm against her neck during the struggle. The dispute had started over a cell phone and occurred in front of the couple’s three children.
Deputies reported the woman had swelling, bruising, and abrasions on her wrists and arms, as well as abrasions and redness on her neck. She was treated at Logan Regional Hospital.
During Wednesday’s sentencing, defense attorney Nathan Evershed said his client had lost his job in law enforcement and POST certification after being arrested. He asked the court to consider a reduced sentence.
Cache County Deputy Attorney Dane Murray said the case was troubling. He noted that Petersen had sworn to be a protector of the community and needed mental health treatment.
Petersen refused to speak during the hearing.
In addition to the jail time, Judge Brian Cannell ordered Petersen to be placed on two years probation. He also ordered him to complete domestic violence therapy and a parenting course.
Records show Petersen was employed by the Smithfield City Police Department. Chief Travis Allen confirmed that he was dismissed in December.
will@cvradio.com