Jury finds Logan man guilty on 12 counts of child sex abuse

Brian K. Williams, 36, charged with six counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony and six counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony.

LOGAN — A jury Friday afternoon found a 37-year-old Logan man, Brian K. Williams, guilty on 12 counts of felony child sex abuse.

Williams showed no emotion as he stood in 1st District Court while the jury delivered their verdict. The eight jurors, five men and three woman found him guilty on six counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony and six counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony.

State attorney Barbara Lachmar said the jury’s verdict sends the message that children need to grow up free from abuse.

“We must never ever abuse a child for any purpose,” said Lachmar. “If there’s any message it’s that one. Children are off limits. Do not touch the children.”

Throughout the five-day trial, three victims described how Williams molested them repeatedly. They said he would shower with them and “skinny dip” with them in a hot tub.

During closing arguments, Lachmar said there was more than 41 incidents of abuse. She explained how William’s behavior was inconsistent with innocence and consistent with guilt.

After the verdict, Judge Kevin Allen ordered Williams to be taken into custody to await being sentenced. He faces the possibility of life in prison.

Outside the courtroom, Lachmar said she will be recommending Williams serve his sentence at the Utah State Prison.

“There is no question about it,” said Lachmar. “It’s too many victims. It’s over too long a period of time. There are too many offences. There is just no other sentence that would be appropriate, he is going to have to go to prison.”

Defense attorney Camille Neider claimed the allegations against Williams had been blown out of proportion. She also accused state attorneys of prosecutorial misconduct, saying they mischaracterized the defendant. Judge Kevin Allen denied the motion.

Neider said she planned to file a written brief that will be reviewed by an appellate court.

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