Man accused of raping disabled woman in Orem

OREM — Police have arrested a 30-year-old man for allegedly sexually assaulting and raping a handicapped woman who has the mentality of a 14-year-old.

The woman, 30, who is mentally disabled and has spina bifida, came forward Saturday to Orem police to report that her long-time friend had allegedly raped her, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in 4th District Court.

The woman told police that she and the man had dated about 10 years ago, but since that time he had been married and had served jail time, according to the affidavit.

He first came to her house on May 20, after being released from jail on May 14.

The woman told police they talked for a bit then began to kiss. However, when the man began touching her breast, she told him to stop and that she didn't want to do that.

The man stopped and left a few minutes later, according to the affidavit.

He came back on May 30 and the two began to kiss, moving from the floor to the couch. Once there, he began touching the woman's breast again and tried to take off her clothes, according to the affidavit.

The man allegedly ignored her request to stop.

Because of the woman's handicap and small size, she was unable to push the man off her, according to the affidavit.

The man then raped her and left the house, according to the affidavit.

Orem police officers interviewed the man Sunday morning, and he said he had gone to the woman's house and they had been kissing. He said the woman said no to sex, but then consented slightly.

However, he allegedly admitted to police that he knew the woman had the mental capacity of a 14-year-old and might not have understood what was happening.

He was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of rape and forcible sex abuse on $100,000 cash-only bail.

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