LOGAN — An 81-year-old Logan man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman with autism, according to police. Clyde Erwin Merritt was booked Friday into the Cache County Jail.
According to the arrest affidavit, Logan City Police officers received a report that Merritt had allegedly sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman. The alleged victim has autism and a family member said she reportedly functions at the cognitive level of a 9-10 year old child.
The woman told police, she had gone on a walk with Merritt after he came by her house on April 14. After the walk, they kissed in front of her home. During that time, the woman said he touched and grabbed her buttocks.
Immediately after, the woman went inside and called her father, explaining what had happened. Several family members also told police how the alleged victim appeared emotionally distraught, according to the probable cause statement.
On May 3, police contacted and interviewed Merritt at his home. He admitted to going on a walk with the alleged victim, on the day of the allegations. When confronted about the accusations, he said his hand might have brushed her buttocks.
According to jail records, Merritt was booked on suspicion of committing forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony. He was later released, while charges are pending in Logan’s 1st District Court.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.