LOGAN — A 51-year-old former Logan man, currently in prison for raping a child in 2006, has pleaded guilty to more similar crimes. David R. Dawson accepted a plea deal that will likely extend his current 10 years to life sentence.
Dawson appeared in 1st District Court Wednesday afternoon for a preliminary hearing. He waived his right to the hearing and pleaded guilty to sodomy on a child, aggravated sexual abuse of a child, and rape of a child, all first-degree felonies.
Public defender Mike McGinnis said as part of the agreement, prosecutors dropped 11 remaining charges against Dawson. They also agreed to recommend a prison term of between 6 years to life, which was the sentencing statute in 2005, compared to 25 years to life now.
Cache County Deputy Attorney Dane Murray said in 2005 Dawson engaged in sex with an 11-year-old boy on multiple occasions. Another time, he encouraged the boy to join him as they raped a 10-year-old girl. Both children were acquaintances of the defendant, who was considered to be a person of trust.
Dawson was escorted into court by prison guards, wearing handcuffs and shackles. He spoke only briefly, telling the court he was guilty of the three felonies. He also said he was willing to waive his rights to a preliminary hearing and a fair trial.
Judge Thomas Willmore scheduled a sentencing date for October 16.