LOGAN — A 34-year-old Smithfield man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a young girl last fall, according to law enforcement. Jesus David Ramos Villalva, who is a Venezuelan national, was booked Wednesday into the Cache County Jail.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, an 11-year-old girl told Smithfield City police officers that she had been sexually assaulted by a family friend. The crime reportedly occurred on Sept. 26 while the suspect was living with her family.
The alleged victim said Ramos Villalva had reportedly pressed her up against a wall and touched her underneath her clothing. This caused her to freeze, feel scared and cry afterwards.
Police interviewed Ramos Villalva, who reportedly denied the allegations. He told officers that the alleged victim was a sleep walker.
According to court records, Ramos Villalva made an initial appearance Friday in Logan’s 1st District Court, appearing by video from jail. He was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony.
Cache County Deputy Attorney Aaron Jossie asked the court to hold Ramos Villalva in jail without bail. He explained how the Smithfield man may be under an immigration hold and might try to flee the country to evade the charges.
Judge Spencer Walsh ordered Ramos Villalva to remain in jail and appear again in court Dec. 22.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.