Man accused of sexually abusing family ordered to stand trial

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SALT LAKE CITY — A Sandy man accused of sexually assaulting a woman and two of her children has been ordered to stand trial on the charges against him.

Efrey Antonio Guzman, 47, was ordered to stand trial on charges of aggravated sexual assault and aggravated burglary, first-degree felonies, as well as sex abuse of a child and forcible sexual abuse, second-degree felonies, following a hearing on evidence against him in 3rd District Court Monday. The alleged incidents took place in May and August.

A 13-year-old girl told police that Guzman, a "family friend," knocked on her door May 8 when she and her older brother were home alone. When Guzman learned that the brother was in the shower, "the defendant suddenly grabbed her, hugged her tightly and would not let her go," the charges state.

The teen said Guzman started kissing her and grabbed her buttocks, but left when her brother entered the room.

On Aug. 2, she said she noticed Guzman circling the street near her home. She ran inside to tell her mother that the man was outside and the mother then locked herself in a bedroom and called for help, the charges state.

Police say Guzman knocked on the door and asked if he could talk to the 13-year-old. The mother told Guzman that he needed to leave. But Guzman allegedly pushed his way into the home and began to assault the mother. During a struggle, Guzman ripped her shirt, then grabbed her exposed breast, the charges state.

When the brother heard his mother call for help, prosecutors say he went into the front room and saw Guzman assaulting his mother. While he attempted to get the man off of her, Guzman grabbed and then bit the son's genitals, "causing severe damage that required surgery," according to the charges.

Guzman was president of the LDS Union Park 9th Branch in Midvale. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said after charges were filed that Guzman no longer holds that position.

"The church has zero tolerance for abuse of any kind. Mr. Guzman has been released from his church duties effective immediately and faces further church discipline following the legal process," church spokesman Scott Trotter said.

An arraignment hearing has been set for Feb. 22.