LOGAN — A 19-year-old Lewiston man, suspected of sex abuse, was kept from speaking to a judge because of his disorderly behavior. Christopher R. Vandam remained in a holding cell Tuesday morning, prohibited from entering the courtroom after he allegedly wouldn’t cooperate with court bailiffs.
Vandam was scheduled for a brief appearance in 1st District Court, to determine whether he wanted to have a preliminary hearing scheduled. Judge Brian Cannell said he ordered bailiffs to transport the defendant back to jail though, because of his behavior.
Cache County Sheriff’s deputies arrested VanDam in February on suspicion of sodomy on a child, sex abuse of a child, sexual battery and bestiality. Investigators claimed at least five victims were abused, ranging in age from four-to-13-years-old.
Prosecutors later charged Vandam with forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony. The charge alleges the abuse occurred in August 2017. Investigators believe that it was ongoing for several years.
VanDam remains in jail, on $25,000 bail. He faces up to 15-years in prison if convicted.
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