Trial scheduled for Smithfield man accused of sexually abusing ex-girlfriend

Booking photo for Raymond Castaneda (Courtesy: Cache County Jail).

LOGAN — A jury trial has been schedule for a 22-year-old Smithfield man, accused of abusing a woman last month. Raymond A. Castaneda has pleaded not guilty after being arrested in June.

Court staff report that Castaneda appeared in 1st District Court Monday morning. He was previously charged with aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony; forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony; and aggravated assault, a third-degree felony.

Defense attorney Wayne Caldwell requested the three day trial. He claimed previously that Castaneda and the alleged victim had a consensual sexual relationship and there are hundreds of text messages between them to prove it.

According to police reports, an officer was called to investigate an alleged sexual assault, June 14. The woman reported to have been strangled and slapped by the suspect, her ex-boyfriend, while in his car. She had markings on her neck and other parts of her body. She claimed that she told Castaneda to get off her and to stop but he refused. He also restrained her and forced her to stay, when she tried to get away.

During Monday’s hearing, Judge Thomas Willmore scheduled the three day jury trial to begin October 2.

Court records show, Castaneda previously was convicted of disorderly conduct, in two separate incidents. He also pleaded guilty to retail theft.

Castaneda remains in Cache County Jail. He could face up to life in prison if convicted.


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