Man arrested in rape investigation

OREM — Police have arrested a man who they believe coerced a 17-year-old girl into a sexual relationship by giving her alcohol.

Police say on five different occasions, the 23-year-old man forced the girl into sexual acts and twice plied her with alcohol, according to a police affidavit filed in 4th District Court.

The girl told police that it was her first encounter with alcohol, and she didn't think she would have engaged in the sexual behavior without it, police wrote.

Police say the man manipulated the young girl into the acts by saying he loved her, that she was the only girl he was dating and that he was "cranky" without the sexual acts, according to the affidavit.

He was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of rape, forcible sodomy and unlawful furnishing of alcohol to a minor. Police say he was aware the girl was only 17 when was provided with the alcohol, according to the affidavit.

— Sara Israelsen-Hartley