TOOELE — A Tooele man has been arrested and accused of abusing his stepdaughter by, in part, conducting "suicide checks" in which she was required to take all her clothes off.
The 46-year-old man was booked into the Tooele County Jail early Thursday for investigation of aggravated child abuse.
On Wednesday, a "third party" took the girl to the Tooele Police Department to report she had been "physically and sexually abused by her stepfather," a police booking affidavit states.
"During the interview with the victim, she stated (her stepfather) had hit the bottom of her jaw with his knuckles, causing her teeth to hit together. She also stated (he) had hit her on her sternum and that it felt bruised but there were no marks," the affidavit states.
The girl then talked about how her stepfather had performed "suicide checks" on her over the past three years.
"The victim described these checks as (her stepfather) making her take her clothes off until she was naked, and then (he) would check her body for signs of self harm even though the victim was not suicidal nor self-harming," according to the affidavit.
The girl says he performed about 10 "suicide checks" over the past three years with the most recent one being last week.
The affidavit does not state how old the girl is. The stepfather could face additional charges when the case is screened by the Tooele County Attorney's Office.
Child abuse resources:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
- The Utah Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect families with community resources. Its goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe." Visit dcfs.utah.gov/contact-us/ or call 801-538-4100.
- The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
