Cache Valley immigrant advocate charged with sex abuse

A longtime advocate for Cache Valley's immigrant community has been accused of sexually abusing a woman who sought his help in obtaining legal services.

Leo Bravo, 61, was charged Tuesday in 1st District Court with two counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony.

Bravo, of Logan, is accused of touching the alleged victim twice on Nov. 16 "in inappropriate areas," said Logan Police Capt. Jeff Curtis.

The woman told police she had gone to Bravo seeking help in retaining an attorney to represent her in a civil matter. That's when he allegedly touched her above and below the waist, Curtis said.

Police interviewed Bravo about the woman's allegations. "He corroborated some of the issues," the lieutenant said.

Bravo founded the nonprofit Multicultural Center of Cache Valley more than 18 years ago. He was serving as its director and sole employee at the time of his arrest.

In 1997, Bravo was one of six people honored by the Utah's Hispanic community with a Cesar Chavez Peace and Justice Award. He was also among a select few to be made an honorary member of the Logan Police Department when the program began in 2006.

"We've had a good partnership with Leo over the years," Curtis said. "He's been a community leader here in the valley for probably 25 or 30 years.

"It's a very difficult situation, a sad situation," he added. "This man has done so much for the community. … At the same time, we have a job to do, and we treat all victims fairly."

Logan City Councilman Dean Quayle served on the Multicultural Center's board of directors until 2008. He called news of the charges against Bravo shocking.

"Leo was a very dedicated individual, and he was very capable of helping newly arrived people in the area with any kind of problem they might have," Quayle said.

The councilman said Bravo did "remarkable things" for the families of those who were arrested in the Dec. 12, 2006, immigration raid on the Swift & Co. meat-packing plant in Hyrum.

"My associations with Leo and my feelings for him are very positive, because he's been a great contributor to the community," Quayle said. "I regret very deeply that he's been thusly involved, and I know nothing of the circumstances involved."

Bravo was booked into the Cache County Jail, where he is being held in lieu of $20,000 bail. His initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled.