From Deseret News archives:
Abuse suspect's bail cut
Aaron Marcos Montoya, 32, also promised 2nd District Judge Michael Allphin to agree to home confinement in Salt Lake City while out on bail.
Montoya, a Salt Lake County sheriff's officer, is charged with 10 counts of first-degree felony aggravated sex abuse of a child stemming from claims of eight girls, between 3 and 11, some who claim they were allegedly touched inappropriately while attending Primary class at a ward building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Syracuse.
One girl alleged she was fondled while riding a personal watercraft at Pineview Reservoir in Weber County. Other girls allege they were assaulted while at Montoya's home or in his car.
Since his arrest, Montoya has been held in the Davis County Jail on $500,000 bail.
In court Wednesday, Montoya's attorney, Ed Brass, said he had reached an agreement with Davis County prosecutors to have bail reduced but only with Montoya's promise to stay out of Davis County.
Brass said his client promised to have no contact with the alleged victims, submit to home electronic confinement while living in Salt Lake City and not to enter Davis County for any reason. Brass said Montoya will only be allowed to leave his home for counseling and legal appointments.
In exchange for the restrictions, Allphin reduced bail to $100,000.
Deputy Davis County attorney Troy Rawlings said the agreement to reduce bail was first approved by the parents of the alleged victims.
Brass said Montoya is willing to stay in home confinement, in part because he has been suspended from work with the sheriff's office.
If he can make bail, Brass said Montoya will remain out at least until a scheduled preliminary hearing on Feb. 11.
E-mail: gfattah@desnews.com
