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LOGAN — A longtime advocate for Cache Valley's immigrant community who sexually abused a woman who sought his help was sent to jail Wednesday.
Leo Bravo, 62, was sentenced to two consecutive terms of one year in jail after pleading guilty to two counts of attempted forcible sexual abuse, a class A misdemeanor. First District Judge Thomas Willmore also ordered the man to pay a $500 fine and restitution to the victim and her family for therapy in an amount to be determined, according to prosecutor Spencer Walsh.
This was a very serious case primarily because (Bravo) had such a position of trust and authority in our community, he abused that power for selfish purposes.
–prosecutor Spencer Walsh
A review hearing will be held in six months and, depending on Bravo's behavior in jail, the man may be released at that time. In that case, he would serve the rest of his time on probation.
Bravo pleaded guilty to the charges in March and they were reduced from second-degree felonies to class A misdemeanors in exchange for the man's plea.
Bravo, of Logan, touched the victim twice "in inappropriate areas," on Nov. 16, 2009, prosecutors said. The woman had gone to Bravo seeking help in retaining an attorney to represent her in a civil matter when he allegedly touched her above and below the waist.
"This was a very serious case primarily because (Bravo) had such a position of trust and authority in our community," Walsh said. "He abused that power for selfish purposes."
Bravo founded the nonprofit Multicultural Center of Cache Valley more than 18 years ago. He was serving as its director and sole employee at the time of his arrest.
In 1997, Bravo was one of six people honored by Utah's Hispanic community with a Cesar Chavez Peace and Justice Award. He was also among a select few to be made an honorary member of the Logan Police Department when the program began in 2006.
Bravo resigned his post at the multicultural center after his arrest.
Defense attorney Shannon Demler said Bravo made statements in court apologizing to the victim and also to his wife and children, who were there to support him.
"Not only is it difficult to face criminal charges but he also feels that he betrayed his wife and family by becoming involved in this kind of activity," Demler said.
He argued that Bravo's history in the community, compounded with his lack of criminal record, warranted a sentence of community service. But Bravo was prepared for a potential jail sentence. He was taken into custody immediately.
(She) really was vulnerable, she had gone to Bravo for (help) and ended up being abused. She's happy that the case is resolved.
–prosecutor Spencer Walsh
"We knew that (jail) was the recommendation going in," Demler said. "He's looking forward to getting on with his life."
He said Bravo indicated he had an ongoing sexual relationship with the victim spanning several years, but that she felt the incident in question was nonconsensual. Walsh said this was one of many contentions that he took issue with.
"I would have liked for (Bravo) to show more remorse to the victim," Walsh said. "I didn't see that. He tried to minimize his conduct by saying it was a consensual. It wasn't."
Still, he said the sentence Bravo received was the one the victim "felt comfortable with." The woman did not speak in court, but did write a statement to the judge.
"(She) really was vulnerable," Walsh said. "She had gone to Bravo for (help) and ended up being abused. She's happy that the case is resolved."
Email:emorgan@ksl.com
