Jamaal Anthony Evans jail booking photo. (Photo: Cache County Jail)
LOGAN — A 23-year-old former Utah State football player was sentenced to six months in jail, a week after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a woman more than four years ago. Jamaal Anthony Evans refused to speak, before the victim’s family called him “pure evil.”
Evans was sentenced Wednesday afternoon in 1st District Court. He accepted a plea deal last week, pleading guilty to forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony.
Evans was arrested in June 2018 after a female USU student reported being raped to school officials. She explained how she went to a small party at a residence in Logan and met the defendant.
The woman told investigators, while at the party she consumed alcohol and passed out. Afterwards, Evans raped her, although she couldn’t remember what specifically happened.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors decided to drop charges of rape and forcible sodomy, in exchange for Evans’ guilty plea. They also agreed to recommend a sentence of six months in jail instead of any prison time.
During Wednesday’s sentencing, defense attorney Shannon Demler asked the court to follow the jail recommendation and grant his client work release. He explained how his client was sorry for what happened. He said the case had been difficult for both sides, derailing Evans’ education and sports future.
The victim’s father read a statement from his daughter, calling Evans’ actions “disturbing and sick.” He explained how she was also cheated out of her college career. He said the defendant acted like a “predator, thug and coward.”
Judge Brian Cannell expressed hope for the victim’s healing. He refused to grant any work release and noted that if it hadn’t been for attorney’s plea deal, Evans would be heading to prison.
Judge Cannell said sex abuse cases are happening far too often. He ordered Evans to serve six months in jail followed by probation.
Evans was signed by USU in 2016. He was suspended after his arrest and never played for the team again. He is originally from Las Vegas where he was a first team, all-state quarterback.
will@cvradio.com