Former firefighter sentenced to jail for child abuse

Booking photo for Michael T. Kay (Courtesy: Cache County Jail)

LOGAN — A 45-year-old former firefighter has been sentenced to jail after being convicted of child abuse and harassing his estranged wife. Michael T. Kay has been in jail since being arrested in November.

Kay was sentenced in 1st District Court Tuesday morning. He previously pleaded guilty to child abuse, possession of a controlled substance, and violation of a protective order, all class A misdemeanors; along with possession of a firearm by a restricted person, a third-degree felony.

The victim tearfully told the court how Kay had lied to everyone, including her. She explained that after the defendant was arrested, she learned that he had been married to multiple women and had several affairs, while they were living in Nibley. She became emotional, saying that she had filed for a divorce and never wanted to see him again. She hoped that the court’s sentence would stop him from hurting more people.

Kay acknowledged that he had hurt his family but said he was not a danger to them.

Cache County Deputy Attorney Dane Murray said it was obvious that Kay wasn’t living in reality and didn’t understand the damage he had caused others. He explained that the court should keep him in jail.

Judge Brian Cannell agreed with Murray. He told Kay that he didn’t fully grasp the harm he had caused. He said it was obvious from the victim’s remarks that she didn’t want the defendant in her life anymore.

Kay was sentenced to 150 days in jail and two years of probation. He was given credit for the 72 days he had already served but also ordered to wear an ankle monitor for 180 days after being released.

Hyrum City Fire Chief Kevin Maughan acknowledged that Kay was employed with the fire department. After his arrest though, he was terminated.


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