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MURRAY — A Sandy man convicted of sexually abusing a child more than 15 years ago is facing new charges accusing him of inappropriate sexual behavior with a teenage boy.
And prosecutors say he is under investigation for similar allegations in at least one other case.
James Eric Verde, 53, was charged Wednesday in 3rd District Court with dealing in harmful materials to a minor, a third-degree felony, and sexual battery, a class A misdemeanor.
A 17-year-old boy told investigators that in February, Verde "started being friendly with him and offering him free gasoline." Verde continued to give the boy gifts, such as a PS5, in addition to taking him to dinner, a movie and an air show, according to charging documents.
On one occasion, investigators say Verde slapped the boy's butt. He also sent the boy inappropriate pictures and text messages stating he wanted to take a trip with the boy alone, the charges state.
When interviewed by police, the boy said "he was aware of two other teenage males the defendant has befriended and purchased gifts for," according to the charges. Prosecutors say they are preparing to file additional charges against Verde in connection with alleged sexual abuse of another 17-year-old boy.
Verde is on the Utah Sex Offender and Kidnap Registry. He was first convicted in 2008 of sexual abuse of a child. Court documents from his prior conviction paint a picture of Verde grooming the 12-year-old victim for several years.
Verde appealed his 2008 conviction to the Utah Supreme Court, arguing that the court wrongly admitted two prior uncharged sexual assault allegations as evidence. The state's high court agreed and ordered a new trial for Verde. In 2013, he was convicted a second time.
