Uncle allegedly gave beer to 'highly intoxicated' minor nephews


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AMERICAN FORK — A 23-year-old man accused of supplying the alcohol that got his two young nephews "highly intoxicated" was arrested Sunday for investigation of child abuse, according to police.

Joseph Lynn Sabey was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of two counts of child abuse, three counts of assault by a prisoner, attempted criminal mischief, intoxication and two counts of supplying alcohol to minors.

About 11:30 a.m. Sunday, police were called to a house in American Fork where they found a 10-year-old boy, wearing only shorts and a T-shirt, passed out in the snow, according to a police affidavit filed in 4th District Court.

Officers then found a 12-year-old boy who was also as drunk as the 10-year-old, the affidavit stated. A short time later, Sabey arrived "and was very aggressive and also highly intoxicated."

"Due to Sabey's aggression and threats toward officers … he was detained in handcuffs so we could conduct our investigation. Sabey became increasingly belligerent and while in the back seat began to attempt to kick out the window to the patrol vehicle with his feet," the report stated.

Sabey then kicked an officer, forcing police to use a Taser on him to get him to stop, according to the report.

Investigators learned that Sabey had purchased beer at a gas station in American Fork and then allowed to his two nephews to drink it along with him, the report stated.

"Both of the children were intoxicated to the point they needed to be transported to the hospital," according to the report.

In June, Sabey was arrested for investigation of assault and having an open container in a vehicle. Sabey kicked an acquaintance in the face several times after getting into an argument with him, according court records.

Sabey was found guilty of DUI in 2012 in Sandy Justice Court, according to court records.

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Pat Reavy

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