LOGAN — A judge has ruled to bind over Torrey Green on 11 of the 12 felony <span>sexual assault </span>charges against him, asking lawyers for clarification on the final allegation.
Judge Brian Cannell listened to closing statements in each of the seven cases Wednesday morning, as prosecutors reviewed how the alleged witnesses claimed they were raped and assaulted by the 23-year-old from 2013-2016.
Meanwhile, defense attorney Skye Lazaro argued that several of the victims didn’t report being assaulted for several years, until after several media reports about the former Utah State football player came out.
Outside the courtroom, state attorney Spencer Walsh said he was pleased with the judge’s ruling to bind the defendant over.
“We are very grateful for the victims in these cases,” said Walsh. “For their courage in reporting to law enforcement and also their courage in coming into the courtroom and testifying at these preliminary hearings.”
During closing statements for the third case, Lazaro questioned why prosecutors charged Green with both aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony, and forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony. She said prosecutors had not shown separate evidence to justify each charge.
Judge Canell said he would allow attorneys to argue the kidnapping charge further and reserve judgement until June 6.
After the hearing, Walsh said once the judge rules on the final charge, attorneys for both sides will then file written briefs on the state’s doctrine of chances motion.
“The state of Utah is asking permission from Judge Cannell, to allow us to present evidence and testimony from all seven alleged victims, at each other’s trials.” Walsh went onto explain, “We feel like that would put a jury in a better position to make a decision on these cases.”
Walsh said no plea agreement has been discussed with defense attorneys, and prosecutors plan on trying the seven cases separately.
Green currently faces six counts of rape, and two counts of object rape, all first-degree felonies, along with three counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony. He has already pleaded not guilty to each charge. He is being held in the Cache County Jail without bail. He is expected again in court June 6. His attorney’s declined to comment after the hearing.
<hr /><p style=”text-align: center;”>[email protected]
County Prosecutor Spencer Walsh presents counter arguments during Former Utah State University Linebacker Torrey Green's hearing in 1st District Court on Wednesday, April 19. Green is charged with six counts of rape, one count of aggravated kidnapping, three counts of forcible sex abuse and two counts of object rape.
Former Utah State University Linebacker Torrey Green's leans to his defense attorney, Skye Lazaro during closing arguments in 1st District Court on Wednesday, April 19. Green is charged with six counts of rape, one count of aggravated kidnapping, three counts of forcible sex abuse and two counts of object rape.
County Prosecutor Spencer Walsh talks to Torrey Green's Defense Attorney Skye Lazaro and Rhiannon Mann during closing arguments in 1st District Court on Wednesday, April 19. Green is charged with six counts of rape, one count of aggravated kidnapping, three counts of forcible sex abuse and two counts of object rape.