02/05/10

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) _ A former West Jordan police officer who
was accused of sexual abuse of a reportedly suicidal woman has
pleaded guilty in the case.

Nelson Tuatagaloa pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of
third-degree felony custodial sexual relations. He originally faced
two counts of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse.

Tuatagaloa was supposed to take a woman reported to be suicidal
to a hospital for a mental evaluation in September 2008.

The woman testified last year at a preliminary hearing that the
35-year-old officer kissed her, put his hand in her clothing and
touched her inappropriately.

The woman testified that she felt she had to do what Tuatagaloa
wanted because he was a police officer.

Sentencing is set for March 25.
___

Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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