LOGAN — A 56-year-old Paradise man is headed to prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a young girl years ago. David John Keller was sentenced to serve a term of 12 years to life after refusing to apologize or speak in court.
Keller was sentenced May 13 in Logan’s 1st District Court. He previously accepted a plea deal, pleading no contest to two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, amended to a second-degree felony.
The plea meant he conceded the alleged charges occurred without admitting guilt or offering a defense. It is still viewed as a guilty plea in court.
According to prosecutors, Keller called 911 dispatch operators on May 14, 2025, saying that he wanted to confess a crime that he had committed. He spoke with a Cache County sheriff’s deputy, explaining how he molested and exposed himself to the child when she was between 9 and 11 years old. The crimes reportedly took place between 2009 and 2011.
Investigators later interviewed the victim. She explained how she remembered multiple incidents when Keller molested and exposed himself to her. She said the incidents left her feeling fearful.
The woman made a phone call to Keller that was recorded by law enforcement. During the conversation, she read a letter detailing the incidents. Keller admitted to the crimes during the call.
During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, prosecutors expressed frustration with Keller’s lack of accountability in court and pleading no contest instead of guilty to the charges. “What Keller did behind closed doors was abhorrent and completely contradicted the person he pretended to be in the community,” said Cache County Deputy Attorney Mark Winkel. “I hope he one day will acknowledge his guilt to help the victim heal.”
A statement from the victim was also read, describing her frustration with Keller’s refusal to admit in court what he did. “I deserve to have the truth of these crimes be acknowledged,” she wrote.
Judge Angela Fonnesbeck asked Keller several times if he would like to address the court. Each time he refused, standing silently next to his attorney.
Judge Fonnesbeck sentenced Keller to two consecutive terms of six years to life in prison. She expressed hope that he would someday realize the impact he had on the victim’s life. She also warned that his lack of accountability could impact how long before the parole board releases him.