LOGAN — A 24-year-old Logan man, Dustin Olif Twitchell, was arrested Wednesday after allegedly raping a 19-year-old female relative who had sought comfort at his home following a recent breakup.
Twitchell was booked into the Cache County Jail on suspicion of committing multiple felony charges, including two counts of first-degree felony rape and object rape, second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse, and third-degree felony aggravated assault. The alleged victim initially contacted local dispatch on July 13 regarding the assault, which she reported occurred in April.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, the victim stayed the night at Twitchell’s house after seeking comfort. She told an investigator that after they discussed their breakups, Twitchell allegedly began tickling and repeatedly choking her, escalating to the point where she felt scared and “couldn’t breathe.” When the victim asked him to stop, Twitchell allegedly continued, asking if she liked the abuse.
The assault reportedly resumed the next morning. Twitchell allegedly began tickling and choking the victim again before placing his hand down her pants. The affidavit states the assault escalated, with Twitchell allegedly groping and ultimately raping her.
The victim claimed she explicitly told him to stop and said, “No,” pointing out that they were related. Twitchell reportedly replied, “I know,” but continued the assault anyway. The victim was picked up by someone approximately 15 minutes after the alleged rape.
The sheriff’s office gathered evidence including messages Twitchell had sent to the victim on Snapchat. In those messages, Twitchell allegedly admitted to the sexual encounter, stating he did not regret what happened and claiming, “It was crazy how it got started in the first place, but it did.”
When Twitchell was taken into custody Wednesday, he allegedly denied having sex with the victim but admitted she had stayed at his house, claiming she wanted him to tickle her back. The affidavit notes that when confronted with the messages, Twitchell still denied the sexual assault.
Twitchell is being held without bail in the Cache County Jail.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.