Booking photo for Tyler S. Call (Courtesy: Cache County Jail).
LOGAN — A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to more jail time and probation for raping a Utah State student in 2017. Tyler S. Call was ordered to turn himself in to the Cache County Jail by Saturday, after the victim told the court how she continued to suffer anxiety attacks from what happened.
Call was sentenced Wednesday afternoon in 1st District Court. He previously accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to an amended count of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony.
According to prosecutors, Call went with the victim to her room late on the night of Sept. 9, 2017. While there, he asked her for sex multiple times and she repeatedly told him “no.” However, he reportedly ignored her and raped her.
The crime occurred while Call, who is originally from Willard, was living in Logan. He was not attending USU at the time and was never enrolled as a student.
During Wednesday’s sentencing, defense attorney Darwin Overson said Call had changed during the past three years while the case worked its way through the court. He explained how his client had no criminal history, a good job, strong family support, and had successfully worn an ankle monitor since being allowed out of jail on bail.
Call declined to speak during the sentencing and sat quietly next to his attorney, staring forward.
Overson said Call realized what he did was wrong and had apologized to the victim. He asked the court to avoid sentencing the defendant to anymore jail time.
The victim said she was glad to hear that Call was doing well, even though she wasn’t. She still experiences panic attacks and felt like she may never be the same again.
Judge Brian Cannell said he appreciated the victim’s courage and sincerity, addressing the court. He expressed hope that she would be able to feel love and joy again.
Cache County Deputy Attorney Andrew Crane argued that additional incarceration was merited in the case. He said Call should have known that “no” means “no.”
A presentence report prepared by probation agents had recommended Call not serve anymore jail time and instead be placed on probation.
Judge Cannell said he could not follow the presentence report recommendation, noting how the victim had been “significantly harmed.” He ordered Call to serve 105 days in jail, giving him credit for time already served, followed by 265 days of home confinement.
will@cvradio.com