West Jordan officer accused of abuse makes court appearance
Nelson Tuatagaloa, 34, is charged in 3rd District Court with two counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony.
On Thursday, Tuatagaloa and his attorney, Greg Skordas, waived the reading of his charges in public. Judge Vernice Trease ordered him to have no contact with the victim, her family or witnesses.
Tuatagaloa's next court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 23. He was released from the Davis County Jail prior to his court hearing after posting bail.
Tuatagaloa was on duty and in uniform Sept. 29 when he responded to a call of a woman who had been drinking and was considered suicidal, according to court documents. Tuatagaloa took the woman into custody and drove her to Jordan Valley Hospital, 3580 W. 9000 South, for a medical examination.
But rather than going straight to the hospital, Tuatagaloa drove to a dark area of the hospital parking lot and kissed and sexually assaulted the victim, according to the charges.
He has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the court case and an internal investigation.
Recent comments
Usually when any officer transports a person of the opposite sex,…
How It's Done | Oct. 10, 2008 at 2:20 p.m.
Shouldn't a woman police officer be the one to take in the woman.
Anonymous | Oct. 10, 2008 at 10:43 a.m.
Suggestion: Make it policy that a lone officer never take an inebriated…
Robert | Oct. 10, 2008 at 9:37 a.m.
