LOGAN — A 49-year-old Logan man faces a possible prison sentence after being arrested for allegedly inappropriately touching two young girls, according to law enforcement. Francisco Javier Figueroa-Rodriguez was booked Wednesday into the Cache County Jail, after the alleged victims were interviewed at the Children’s Justice Center.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, the investigation began after the 14-year-old girl texted her mother to report that her uncle, referred to as “Javier,” had done something inappropriate. The girl’s father subsequently contacted Logan City Police officers and stated that his other daughter, an 11-year-old, also claimed Figueroa-Rodriguez had been touching her for months but she had been too afraid to speak out.
During a forensic interview, the 14-year-old alleged victim said that Rodriguez touched her thighs, hips, and stomach while she was crocheting. She told investigators that Figueroa-Rodriguez asked her to come closer to watch a crochet video on his phone, at which point he began rubbing her hips and eventually touched her inappropriately over her clothing.
The 11-year-old alleged victim also underwent a forensic interview, where she claimed that Figueroa-Rodriguez would rub her thighs and attempt to pull down her pants. She further claimed that he forced her to touch him and that he frequently watched pornographic videos on his phone while she was nearby, charging documents state.
Figueroa-Rodriguez voluntarily went to the Logan Police Department after learning of the allegations. While he initially denied being alone with the children and suggested they were “troubled,” he later admitted to being alone with the older victim for short periods and acknowledged touching her knee.
According to court records, Figueroa-Rodriguez made an initial appearance Friday in Logan’s 1st District Court, appearing by web conference from jail. He was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony. The charges carry a maximum sentence of up to life in prison.
Judge Brian Cannell ordered Figueroa-Rodriguez to remain in jail and appear again in court Jan. 26.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.