Gavel. Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash
LOGAN — A 19-year-old North Salt Lake man appeared in court for the first time on charges of allegedly sexting with an undercover police officer in Logan last year.
Joshua Anthony Hernandez stood in 1st District Court for an initial appearance Wednesday morning. He was charged with three counts of enticing a minor by internet or text, a third-degree felony.
According to an arrest affidavit, Hernandez allegedly began messaging the Logan City Police officer Feb. 2, 2022. The undercover officer was posing as a 12-year-old girl on a popular website that allows users to chat with random people.
Hernandez reportedly told the officer he was 16 and requested their phone number. He then began texting graphic descriptions of various sexual activities he wanted to do, the police report detailed.
Twice Hernandez said he wanted to drive to Logan to meet up in person. The officer reported that there wasn’t sufficient staff to apprehend the suspect either time, so they replied that they couldn’t meet.
Police tracked the phone number to a home in North Salt Lake. They called the suspect, attempting to ask him questions about the allegations.
Hernandez hung up the phone and would not answer further calls. Officers also attempted to contact him at the North Salt Lake residence unsuccessfully, leading to police requesting an arrest warrant.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Judge Brian Cannell lifted the warrant due to Hernandez’s appearance in court. He ordered the suspect to appear again April 5.
Hernandez was prohibited from having access to the internet or being around minor children unrelated to him. He could face up to 15 years 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