Booking photo for Zachary P. Stocker (Courtesy: Cache County Jail)
LOGAN — A 29-year-old Logan man has pleaded “not guilty” to downloading child pornography as attorneys continue to work out a possible plea agreement. Zachary P. Stocker was originally arrested last year.
Stocker was in 1st District Court Monday morning. He was previously charged with 20 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, a second-degree felony.
Defense attorney Ray Malouf entered the plea on behalf of his client. He also explained that Stocker is attending counseling for sexual addictions and doing well on pre-trial supervision.
In February 2019, agents with the Internet Crimes Against Children’s Task Force began investigating Stocker after they allegedly traced the illegal images to his Island neighborhood apartment. A search warrant was served to his residence, where electronic devices were seized and he was taken into custody.
Last month, Stocker waived his right to a preliminary hearing, where Judge Brian Cannell would have determined whether prosecutors had sufficient evidence to bind the suspect over for trial.
During Monday’s court appearance, Judge Cannell told attorneys for both sides that he wished the move the case along. He ordered Stocker to appear again in court April 13.
Stocker remains out of jail after previously posting $70,000 bail. As part of his pretrial release, he is prohibited from having access to the internet or interactions with anyone under the age of 18. He could face up to 15-years in prison if convicted.
will@cvradio.com