LOGAN — A 22-year-old Mendon man has confessed to sexually assaulting a woman at his home last year. Abraham D. Edlund accepted a plea deal to reduced charges Wednesday, the same day a jury trial had originally been scheduled for his case.
Edlund participated in a virtual hearing in 1st District Court, appearing by web conference. He pleaded guilty to an amended charge of attempted rape, a first-degree felony.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped a remaining misdemeanor in the case.
Edlund raped the 19-year-old victim on the evening of March 19. The woman had reportedly met the suspect on a dating app and had gone out once previously.
During the second date, Edlund reportedly supplied her alcohol, to the point she became sick. Later, he raped her while she was laying on a couch.
During a phone conversation with the victim and recorded by law enforcement, Edlund reportedly blamed his actions on being drunk and not thinking straight.
Defense attorney Shannon Demler had previously claimed the victim might not have had a clear recollection of what happened on the night of the assault because she was intoxicated.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Cache County Deputy Attorney Dane Murray said he had spoken with the victim, who approved of the plea deal. He asked the court to schedule an in-person sentencing hearing, so she can address the court.
Judge Brian Cannell scheduled sentencing for April 20, to give Edlund time to undergo both a presentence report and psycho-sexual evaluation.
Edlund spoke only briefly, telling the court he was willing to waive his rights to a trial and plead guilty. He could face up to life in prison.
will@cvradio.com