Booking photo of Benjamin Stoddard (Courtesy: Cache County Jail).
LOGAN — A 22-year-old Logan man, accused of attempting to kill a woman, has waived his right to a trial and accepted a plea deal. Benjamin D. Stoddard confessed to multiple charges that could still send him to prison.
Stoddard appeared in 1st District Court Tuesday morning. He pleaded guilty to three charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery and aggravated assault, all amended to second-degree felonies; along with one count of domestic violence in the presence of a child, a third-degree felony.
In April, a woman called police to report that Stoddard, who previously lived at her residence, broke in and took some electronic equipment and other valuables. When she confronted the defendant, he grabbed her by the throat, choking her until she passed out.
Stoddard then fled the residence, taking the valuables with him.
The woman began to regain consciousness just as a family member came to the apartment. The relative told officers that the victim was pale and incoherent.
Officers found Stoddard nearby with the stolen items. He was taken into custody for questioning and later booked into the Cache County Jail, where he has been held without bail.
Stoddard did not speak during Tuesday’s hearing. He could face up to 15-years in prison when sentenced February 4.
Court records show Stoddard pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault in September 2018. He was later sentenced to serve 60-days in jail.
will@cvradio.com