Man accused of child sex abuse sentenced to jail

John Robert Steed, 61, charged with one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony.

LOGAN — A 61-year-old Avon man, originally charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a child, was sentenced to 30-days in jail after previously pleading guilty to lesser charges.

John Robert Steed appeared in 1st District Court Monday afternoon. He was originally arrested and charged with inappropriately touching a 10-year-old girl on December 24, 2013.

Last month Steed accepted a plea deal, claiming he was under the influence of alcohol and Ambien at the time of the alleged assault and didn’t remember it occurring. He pleaded guilty to sexual battery, a class A misdemeanor.

During sentencing, state attorney Spencer Walsh said prosecutors were unable to prove the allegations took place except for the victim’s testimony. He read a letter from the victim’s mother saying Steed had stolen her daughter’s trust and victimized her family.

Judge Kevin Allen said whether Steed purposely or unknowingly touched the girl, she was still hurt. He sentenced him to 30-days in the Cache County Jail and also ordered him to undergo sex offender counseling. He was also ordered to pay $500 dollars in restitution and have no contact with anyone under the age of 18.

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