Salt Lake City man charged with allegedly molesting Smithfield boy

Gavel. Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash

LOGAN — A 36-year-old Salt Lake City man has made his first appearance before a judge on a charge of allegedly sexually abusing a young boy. Robert G. De Grey is accused of molesting the Smithfield teenager in April.

De Grey was arraigned in 1st District Court Monday, appearing with his attorney. He was charged with one count of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony.

According to an arrest affidavit, Smithfield City police officers received a report of the incident in June. The alleged victim disclosed during a forensic interview that De Grey, a relative, had touched him inappropriately. The suspect had coerced the boy to touch him in a sexual nature also.

The teenager’s mother had contacted De Grey during a recorded phone call. During the conversation, De Grey reportedly admitted to molesting the victim.

During Monday’s court appearance, defense attorney Cara Tangaro entered a plea of “not guilty” to the charge. She asked for time to work through the case with her client.

Judge Angela Fonnesbeck ordered De Grey to appear again in court Oct. 25.

De Grey did not speak during the initial appearance. He is currently out of jail and could face up to 15 years in prison.

Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.


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