Carl James Bassett jail booking photo. (Photo: Cache County Jail)
LOGAN — A 59-year-old Logan man has been ordered to serve four months home confinement for sexually assaulting two women during the past three years. Carl James Bassett told the court he was sorry while his attorney claimed the defendant’s health condition would make it difficult for him to be kept in jail.
Bassett was sentenced Monday morning in 1st District Court. He previously accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to two counts of forcible sexual abuse, a third-degree felony.
In 2021, Logan City Police officers received a report of a sexual assault after Bassett had grabbed the breasts of a woman, who was a family relative. Several weeks later, another victim described being sexually abused in a similar way in 2019.
Police had investigated Bassett several years ago. He was arrested and charged with forcible sexual abuse and sexual battery in 2013. He later accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault, with the other charges dismissed, and was sentenced to five days in jail and 12 months probation.
During Monday’s sentencing, defense attorney Michael McGinnis said Bassett suffers from numerous medical problems and mental health issues. He said his client was trying to make changes in his life.
McGinnis also claimed that because of the number of medical prescriptions Bassett takes, it would be difficult for him to be housed in the jail. He suggested the court consider an alternative sentence.
Judge Angela Fonnesbeck agreed with McGinnis, saying therapy was going to benefit the defendant more than any other penalties. She ordered Bassett to serve 120 days home confinement, followed by probation of up to five years.
Bassett, who briefly apologized, was also ordered to be placed on the sex-offender registry and seek treatment. He was also prohibited from consuming alcohol or illegal drugs.