Bluffdale man faces 24 criminal charges alleging 2 years of domestic violence

BLUFFDALE — A Bluffdale man who police say abused, intimidated, controlled and even drugged a woman for more than two years now faces 24 criminal charges, including 11 first-degree felonies.

Troy Anthony Brinar, 45, was charged Thursday in 3rd District Court aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated assault resulting in serious injury, six counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, and two counts of rape, first-degree felonies. Additionally, prosecutors say they will seek enhanced penalties if Brinar is convicted on those charges for being a "habitual offender."

Brinar was also charged with two counts of surreptitiously administering a prescription drug or substance, and five counts of violating a protective order, third-degree felonies; plus child abuse, two counts of assault, and two counts of criminal mischief, class A misdemeanors; and assault, a class B misdemeanor.

When police arrested Brinar on July 21, they called it was one of the worst cases of domestic violence they had ever seen.

The investigation began in June when the woman was taken to a local hospital to be treated for a broken wrist. The woman's wrist was broken six months earlier when Brinar attempted to kick her head and she blocked the kick, but he did not take her to seek treatment, according to a police booking affidavit. When the woman was finally taken to a hospital, she underwent surgery, but doctors said the delay in seeking treatment means her injury will be "potentially devastating to hand and wrist function," charging documents state.

Police said they learned that the woman was in an abusive situation and that Brinar did not allow the woman to have a phone and that he was her only form of contact. "Hospital staff noted that (she) did not interact well with Brinar who acted overly possessive and controlling and was confrontational with hospital staff," the charges state.

Hospital staffers contacted members of the woman's family who confirmed that Brinar "was very controlling," the charges state. One family member said he hadn't seen the woman in over a year. Another family member told police that he had visited the woman recently at her house and "noticed new holes and damage to the drywall that appeared consistent with an adult human thrown through the drywall. (The relative) also disclosed that there are three-lock mechanism systems to get out of the residence and that the key holes are covered with duct tape on the outside. (The relative) noticed that it took several minutes to unlock the doors and was fearful that (the woman) would not be able to leave quickly if she was in a violent situation."

Bluffdale police say one of the hurdles in their investigation was that the woman was scared to talk to detectives and officers could never find her when she was alone. Through persistent investigative work, police were able to collect enough probable cause for a search warrant to be issued by a judge on July 21. On that day, Brinar was arrested and the woman and two young children were removed from the home.

Police said that for 2 1/2 years, Brinar had been so controlling and possessive that the woman had not been permitted outside of the home by herself. Brina tooker her cellphone and would only allow her to use it under his supervision, the charges state.

"During much of this time, Brinar had cameras in every room of the house so that he could continue to observe (the woman) if he left the home. On multiple occasions, when (she) attempted to leave the home to flee from the abusive situation, Brinar would pull her back into the house, throw her onto the floor, threaten to kill her, or destroy the cellphone that (she) was attempting to use to summon aid," the charging documents allege. "Brinar had full control over all of (her) financial accounts, and refused to allow her access to her accounts or her debit cards. At one point, Brinar took (her car), drove it to another neighborhood, and abandoned it so that (she) could not use it to leave."

Furthermore, Brinar attempted to gain "compliance" or "calm" the woman by putting antidepressant medication and prescription pain pills in her food, and on at least one occasion forced open her mouth and made her to take medication meant to treat seizures, the charges state.

In January, Brinar became angry with a 6-year-old and "beat him with a belt causing visible bruising," the charges allege, adding that he also punched the woman "in her ear with such force that she continues to feel pain, hear ringing, and experience hearing loss at the time of the filing of this information."

After his arrest, a judge issued a protective order for the woman and members of her family. That same day, Brinar called her from jail and told her "that he loved her and asked for forgiveness," the charges state.

Police say Brinar is a documented gang member. As of Thursday, the woman "continues to receive written notes, emails, and phone messages from unknown persons claiming to communicate on behalf of (Brinar). These incidents are currently under investigation by Bluffdale Police Department. (Brinar) has, on multiple occasions, threatened to kill (the woman) and her family should she attempt to leave him," according to the charges.

Prosecutors have requested that Brinar be held in the Salt Lake County Jail without the option of posting bail pending trial, noting that he would be a "substantial danger" to the victim if released.

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