LOGAN — A 32-year-old Logan man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl last year. Allen Michael Allred has been in the Cache County Jail, held without bail, since being arrested in April.
Allred was in 1st District Court for a change of plea hearing Monday afternoon. He accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony.
Defense attorney Bryan Sidwell explained how prosecutors agreed to drop seven remaining charges in exchange for Allred’s plea. No other terms such as sentencing recommendations had been worked out.
Earlier this year, the Logan City Police Department was notified of the child sexual abuse claims by agents with the Utah Division of Child and Family Services. The victim described how Allred, a close acquaintance, molested her on several occasions over the past year.
Police interviewed Allred during their investigation. He admitted to sexually abusing the child at various times, describing at least 10 separate incidents.
Allred reportedly told officers that he has been sexually attracted to children ages 7 and up since he was an adolescent. He also admitted to viewing child pornography on a regular basis.
During Monday’s hearing, Sidwell explained that his client had undergone a risk evaluation. He told the court, he would provide a copy of it, to be considered during sentencing.
Judge Angela Fonnesbeck ordered Allred to undergo a presentence evaluation about his criminal history. She scheduled sentencing for Dec. 20.
Allred spoke briefly, telling the court he was willing to waive his rights to a fair trial and pleaded “guilty” to the crimes. He could face up to life in prison.