LOGAN — The preliminary hearing for Forrest Rodriguez has been postponed while attorneys wait to see if federal authorities fill more charges. The 21-year-old Logan man is accused of trying to run from officers during a traffic stop in North Logan on March 8.
Rodriguez appeared in 1st District Court Monday afternoon. He has been charged with 28 counts, 11 felonies and 17 misdemeanors, including distributing a controlled substance, sexual abuse of a minor and use of a firearm by a restricted person. The offenses allegedly occurred between February 23 and the time he was arrested.
Early on the morning of March 8, North Park Police officers made a traffic stop near 2600 N 200 E in North Logan. Rodriguez allegedly gave police a false name and date of birth. He then tried to exit the vehicle and flee on foot.
The suspect jumped a fence into the backyard of a nearby house. An officer chased Rodriguez, finding him a short time later attempting to hide. Police also found a loaded firearm near where he was hiding.
During Monday’s hearing, defense attorney Michael McGinnis asked the court to postpone his client’s preliminary hearing until federal authorities decide whether they are filing a case against Rodriguez. State attorneys said they should know within two weeks. Judge Thomas Willmore agreed and rescheduled the hearing for May 7.
Rodriguez remains in the Cache County Jail being held on $72,000 bail.