Providence man waives preliminary hearing in aggravated robbery

LOGAN — A 26-year-old Providence man facing the possibility of life in prison for robbing a Logan home with a gun, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday afternoon, as attorneys negotiate a possible plea agreement.

Austin D. Johnsen appeared in 1st District Court. He faces a total of 21 felony and misdemeanor charges including aggravated robbery, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, tampering with a witness, theft and multiple drug offenses.

Logan City Police Captain Tyson Budge said Johnsen allegedly broke into a home near the Logan River Golf Course on June 10. Once inside, he threatened the occupants with a gun saying they owed him money. He reportedly stole some electronics and other merchandise and fled the home. He was arrested three weeks later by US Marshals and booked into the Cache County Jail.

During Tuesday’s court appearance, Johnsen’s attorney said his client wished to waive his preliminary hearing while they work with prosecutors on a possible plea deal. The details of the agreement have not been released.

Johnsen was ordered to appear again in court August 24. He is currently being held without bail.

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