LOGAN — The sentencing for Jeremiah C. Abel has been postponed. The 39-year-old North Logan man previously confessed to trying to sexually entice several young girls and other crimes.
Abel appeared in 1st District Court Monday afternoon. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of enticing a minor over the internet, a second-degree felony; dealing in materials harmful to a minor and driving under the influence of alcohol, both third-degree felonies; and sexual battery, modified to a class A misdemeanor.
Defense attorney Jeanne Campbell said a presentence report, filed with the court about Abel’s criminal history, was full of mistakes and needed to be corrected before sentencing could take place. She said one part of the report, compiled by Adult Probation and Parole, falsely claimed that her client sexually assaulted several teenage girls.
Cache County deputy attorney Dane Murray agreed that the report was full of inaccuracies and suggested it be completely redone, so the court can have an accurate view of the defendant’s past.
Judge Thomas Willmore agreed with both attorneys and rescheduled sentencing for December 30. He also reiterated that Abel have no contact with the victims.
On December 7, 2018, Abel sent text messages to several teenage girls, encouraging them to engage in sexual relations with him. He also sent them pornographic pictures of himself. The victims were all acquaintances of the defendant and reported the behavior to police.
In March, Abel was driving in Logan when he attempted to turn left and pulled in front of another car, causing the two car crash. He refused to take a field sobriety test after officers detected the smell of alcohol. His blood later showed a blood alcohol level of .25. He has previously been convicted of another felony DUI.
In July, Abel groped a woman’s buttocks in a sexual nature. She was reportedly visiting his home, watching fireworks at the time.
Abel remains out of jail but is living at an inpatient center, receiving treatment for sexual addictions. He could be sentenced to up to 15-years in prison.