Officer to stand trial in rape

The case of a West Jordan police officer accused of sexually assaulting a woman he was supposed to be transporting to the hospital, is going to trial.

Third District Judge Judith Atherton Friday set a three-day trial beginning March 31 for Nelson Tuatagaloa, 34.

On Sept. 29, 2008, Tuatagaloa was on duty and in uniform 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 to allegedly drive her to Jordan Valley Hospital, 3580 W. 9000 South, for a medical examination.

But before he took the woman inside the hospital, Tuatagaloa drove to a dark area of the parking lot and kissed and sexually assaulted the victim, according to the charges.

He was placed on unpaid administrative leave following his arrest. Tuatagaloa resigned from the police department earlier this year.

— Pat Reavy