Utah Highway Patrol trooper arrested on suspicion of forcible sexual abuse
SEVIER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — A Utah Highway Patrol trooper was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly sexually abusing a 19-year-old while off-duty.
Bronson Wood, 46, was arrested on suspicion of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor charge, according to the statement of probable cause.
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Officers said they received a report saying Bronson had inappropriately touched a 19-year-old and located the victim. The victim met with officers and allegedly told them she did not report it because she didn’t think anyone would believe her because he was a UHP officer.
The victim said last month Wood gave her and her friend “alcohol and encouraged them to take shots,” the probable cause said. She said the assault happened when she was on the couch in the basement after everyone was asleep. Police say she said he touched her inappropriately despite her asking him to stop.
The day after, Wood allegedly denied the incident when he was confronted about it by someone the victim told. However, the probable cause said he later told two people about the incident leaving out the part where he touched her inappropriately.
The Department of Public Safety said it was made aware on March 19 of possible “criminal activity” and placed Wood on administrative leave, asking an outside agency to investigate the incident.
“We take the allegations in this incident very seriously. The Utah Department of Public Safety and the Utah Highway Patrol have zero tolerance for this type of behavior,” the statement read. “We express our most sincere, heartfelt sympathy and support to the victim of this incident during this difficult time.”
Wood was booked Tuesday in the Sevier County Jail.
Read the full statement by DPS here:
On March 19th, 2024, The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) was made aware of potential criminal activity by one of our sworn officers, Bronson Wood, for an event that took place in March 2023 while off duty. Bronson Wood was placed on administrative leave while DPS asked for an outside agency to conduct a criminal investigation into the incident. We also initiated an administrative investigation to determine the employee’s involvement. This was done to complete both an independent and comprehensive criminal and internal investigation to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to address this matter effectively.
We take the allegations in this incident very seriously. The Utah Department of Public Safety and the Utah Highway Patrol have zero tolerance for this type of behavior. Today we were made aware that Bronson Wood was booked into the Sevier County Jail on felony charges for sexual assault and contributing to a minor. The department has begun its internal processes to formally address this matter. We express our most sincere, heartfelt sympathy and support to the victim of this incident during this difficult time.
Department of Public Safety
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