Booking photo for Brenton S. Nelson. (Courtesy: Cache County Jail)
LOGAN — A 19-year-old Nibley man has admitted to raping a 13-year-old girl in 2020. Brenton S. Nelson was arrested in March 2021 after law enforcement received several anonymous tips about the crime. A 20-year-old Logan man, Thomas D. Robertson was arrested at the same time.
Both defendants participated in virtual hearings in 1st District Court Monday afternoon, appearing by web conference.
Nelson accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to attempted rape of a child, a first-degree felony.
In March 2020, deputies received several anonymous tips indicating that Nelson and Robertson were sexually involved with the victim. The tips were submitted through the sheriff’s office website and the Safe UT app.
Deputies interviewed the alleged victim at the Children’s Justice Center. She disclosed that she had engaged in a sexual relationship with Nelson during the past 2 months. She also described a similar incident, occurring once with Robertson.
As the investigation continued, deputies questioned Nelson and Robertson separately at the sheriff’s office. They reportedly admitted to the accusations and were booked in jail.
During Monday’s hearing, defense attorney Michael McGinnis described the specifics of the plea deal. In exchange for Nelson’s plea, prosecutors agreed to drop 13 remaining charges. They will also recommend a term of three-years-to-life in prison at the time of sentencing.
Cache County Deputy Attorney Griffin Hazard agreed with McGinnis about the terms of agreement. He had met with the victim and felt the deal was in her best interest.
Nelson, who is currently out of jail on bail, was ordered to appear again in court to be sentenced June 6.
Robertson appeared minutes later. McGinnis said they were still working on a possible plea deal and asked a month.
Robertson has been charged with rape of a child, sodomy on a child, and object rape of a child, all first-degree felonies. He could face up to life in prison, if convicted.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
will@cvradio.com