LOGAN — A 19-year-old North Logan man has been sentenced to seven months in jail for helping a teenage girl run away from home. Bryson Ray Sutch apologized and said what he did was wrong.
Sutch was sentenced Dec 23 in Logan’s 1st District Court. He previously accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty in two cases to conspiracy sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony; endangerment of a child, a third-degree felony; and misdemeanors for obstruction of justice, possession of a controlled substance and impaired driving.
According to prosecutors, Sutch and the 16-year-old girl were in a relationship. In February, he took her from her home and tried to keep her hidden from searching family members.
Prosecutors report, during that time Sutch gave the victim drugs and filmed her having sex with him. The video was later found on a cell phone by investigators.
During Monday’s sentencing, the victim’s mother talked about what it was like for their family to wake up and find their daughter missing. She hoped Sutch would serve time in jail and turn his life around.
Earlier, defense attorney Tony Baird noted how his client had made some poor decisions. He explained how even though it was not appropriate, Sutch and the victim were in a consensual relationship.
Judge Angela Fonnesbeck told Sutch he needs to make changes in his life. She explained it is an adult’s responsibility to protect children.
Sutch was ordered to serve 210 days in jail, given credit for nine days previously served. He will then be placed on probation and the sex-offender registry.