LOGAN — A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for a 43-year-old Hyrum man who was arrested late last month after a domestic dispute escalated into a physical confrontation with family members and Cache County Sheriff’s deputies.
According to court records, Dustin Michael Law appeared Sept. 21 in Logan’s 1st District Court. He was previously charged with forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony, and class B misdemeanors for property damage, interference with a peace officer, and two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, deputies responded to an active domestic dispute at a Hyrum residence on the night of Aug. 27. Family members were able to exit the home safely on their own, but deputies located Law in the backyard.
Investigators stated that the adult victim reported that Law attempted to initiate sexual activity without her consent, touching her inappropriately while ignoring repeated demands to leave her alone. When the woman fled to a downstairs bedroom and locked the door, Law began kicking it, causing approximately $500 in damage.
The victim’s adult son reportedly attempted to restrain Law to deescalate the situation while the woman called 911. Two juveniles in the home witnessed and heard the argument.
When deputies made contact with Law in the backyard, he allegedly refused to comply with lawful orders to be detained. Because dispatch had warned deputies about an unaccounted firearm at the scene and Law repeatedly failed to keep his hands visible — instead reaching toward his waistband — deputies deployed a nonlethal projectile.
Law initially complied and dropped to the ground, but subsequently refused to place his hands behind his back and told deputies “No” before finally following instructions. He was evaluated by emergency medical services at the scene prior to being transported to the jail.
During Monday’s court appearance, Judge Angela Fonnesbeck scheduled a preliminary hearing for Oct. 5, when she will determine whether prosecutors have sufficient evidence in the case to bind Law over for trial. She also set bail at $5,000.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.