VICTIM MEETS SUSPECT IN WALMART PARKING LOT
By: Sachet A. Sullivan
A California man temporarily staying in the Walmart parking lot was arrested yesterday for allegedly raping & sodomizing a 14-year-old girl in his motorhome.
Luis Lopez, 31, was booked into the Iron County Jail Jan. 2 on several first-degree felonies including rape, object rape and forcible sodomy.
According to court records filed in 5th District Court, officers responded to an alleged sexual assault involving a 14-year-old juvenile.
The court records indicate the girl had run away from a group home in Parowan and later arrived at Walmart in Cedar City.
She reportedly approached Lopez in the parking lot to ask him if she could use his phone.
She told Lopez she was 14, in which he responded, “oh you’re just a baby.”
Lopez invited the girl to come stay with him in his motorhome where he later gave her alcohol, marijuana and a nicotine vape, the affidavit states.
During an interview with the victim, police learned Lopez and the girl had engaged in sexual activity.
At one point she allegedly told the suspect “no” and tried to push him away, but he continued.
Forensic evidence was found during a medical exam leading investigators to execute a search warrant to compare DNA.
It is not clear how long it will take for the DNA to be processed and returned to the state.
After being arrested Lopez refused to answer any questions by police.
Other charges include two class A misdemeanor charges for possession with intent to distribute and knowingly furnishing alcohol to a minor and a class B misdemeanor for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
If convicted, the suspect faces 15 years to life in the Utah State Prison.
Police requested Lopez be held without bail, citing his transient living conditions, including a California driver’s license and a motorhome registered in California.
INDIVIDUALS LISTED ON THIS PAGE HAVE BEEN BOOKED INTO IRON COUNTY JAIL AND ARE ACCUSED OF THE FOLLOWING CRIMES BUT ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
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