LOGAN — A 47-year-old Logan man has been arrested on suspicion of forcible sexual abuse following a police investigation into allegations involving his partner’s juvenile niece.
Thomas Josiah “Joe” Hanly was taken into custody Aug. 17 by Logan City Police officers and booked into the Cache County Jail. He faces two second-degree felony counts of forcible sexual abuse, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
The charges follow a forensic interview conducted with the juvenile victim regarding alleged abusive behavior by Hanly, who is identified in court documents as her aunt’s boyfriend. During the interview, the victim described two separate instances of nonconsensual sexual contact at Hanly’s home.
The first incident occurred during a visit to Hanly’s residence. After spending time with a baby in the living room, the victim prepared to leave and gave Hanly a goodbye hug. Police wrote that Hanly acted quickly and quietly, using both hands to grab the victim’s buttocks, squeeze them firmly, and pull up her swim shorts. The victim told investigators she was shocked and uncomfortable, remaining silent because she had no prior physical history with Hanly aside from casual hugs. She did not immediately report the interaction.
The second incident took place on the victim’s birthday, Oct. 21, 2025. According to court documents, the victim was visiting Hanly while he held his baby in the living room. With no one else present, Hanly began tickling the victim’s sides. As she laughed and attempted to step back, Hanly reached forward with his free hand and placed it inside her bra, touching her breast over her skin for several seconds while smiling at her. The victim pulled away, reported feeling startled and uncomfortable, and stated it was her final contact with the suspect.
According to court records, Hanly is currently being held in jail, and will likely make an initial appearance before a judge Wednesday afternoon.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.