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PROVO — Utah County prosecutors have filed additional charges for a man accused of sexually abusing children.
Prosecutors charged James Brausch, 49, with a second count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child Monday, the second such charge in a week's time, based off police saying Brausch may have had multiple victims.
Police said the first victim was the 7-year-old daughter of Brausch's fiancé, whom he met in a social group for widows and widowers. Brausch moved to a nearby motel after meeting the woman as she stayed in his home, police said.
"She had moved into his house, but where they weren't married yet they felt it was best for him to stay in the motel until they were officially married," Provo Lt. Brandon Post said.
She had moved into his house but where they weren't married yet they felt it was best for him to stay in the motel until they were officially married.
–Provo Police Lt. Brandon Post
Post said Brausch offered to give the woman's children "one-on-one" swimming lessons, but sexually abused the woman's 7-year-old daughter. The girl told her mother, who called off the wedding shortly after.
Brausch moved on to a new woman he met on a website for LDS singles. Police said Brausch invited the woman's 10-year-old daughter over to his house for a sleepover, where he allegedly molested her.
"Obviously he's established a pattern here that's very concerning," Post said.
Post said the investigation began after the children confided in their parents. He added that it's important for parents to build trust with their children so the children feel comfortable talking about difficult situations.
"The kids need to know that no matter what, they can disclose something to their parents that's important or scary to them," Post said.
Court records show Brausch has a public defender and had a court appearance Tuesday afternoon. Brausch will have another hearing on Feb. 24.
