SOUTH OGDEN, Utah, Jan. 13, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — A 23-year-old South Ogden man was arrested after he allegedly had an unlawful relationship with a 15-year-old girl, then threatened her.
A probable cause statement from the 2nd District Court in Ogden said Paul Richard Protzman is facing 10 counts of third-degree felony sexual activity with a minor, as well as three counts of third-degree felony dealing in materials harmful to a minor.
The probable cause statement said that in August of 2018, the arresting officer responded to an address in South Ogden on a report of a sex offense.
The officer met with the complainant on arrival, who said she wanted to report that she suspected her 15-year-old daughter was having a sexual relationship with the suspect, later identified as Protzman.
The complainant reported that she had observed behavior between her daughter and the suspect that made her suspicious that they were intimate. She also said she had found a phone that the suspect had allegedly given her daughter, and this was turned over to police.
On Wednesday, the arresting officer spoke with the 15 year old and she admitted that the suspect had sent her sexually explicit photos of himself on multiple occasions. She also said she believed the suspect was having sexual relations with a second 15 year old. The 15 year old that was being interviewed said she and her parents were all concerned for their safety.
The next day, officials picked up Protzman after he allegedly made suicidal threats to the second 15 year old.
“It was reported that when Paul was picked up he had a handgun in his possession,” the statement said. “Paul was transported to the hospital for an evaluation and was later cleared.”
The arresting officer then went to the hospital and asked Protzman if he would speak to him. The suspect was transported to the South Ogden Police Department and advised of his Miranda rights.
During his interview, Protzman admitted to having sexual relations with the first 15 year old 20 or more times between the time period of June 16, 2018 and November of 2018. He also admitted to sending sexually explicit photographs of himself via text message to the 15 year old on at least three different occasions.
“There were several threats made via email prior to Paul being arrested stating ‘Rumors need to be silenced, or he will silence them himself,’ and that he ‘isn’t going to jail or be on the list.'” the probable cause statement said. “Family members of the 15 year old are concerned for their safety.
The suspect allegedly also threatened suicide again on another occasion and, during a welfare check that was conducted by North Ogden Police Department, he was located and had a concealed 9 mm handgun with two extra loaded magazines on his person. He then lied to officers when asked if he had any weapons on his person.
Weber County Sheriff’s Office is also working a separate case involving a third 15 year old “that disclosed that she was raped by Paul.” The suspect allegedly also admitted to having relations with this 15 year old.
Protzman was booked into Weber County Jail with his bail set at $60,000.
