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WEST VALLEY CITY — West Valley police have charged a man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a teenage co-worker earlier this year.
Jaren Hermansen, 43, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail and charged Friday in 3rd District Court with two counts of rape and aggravated kidnapping, first-degree felonies.
In May, a 17-year-old girl who works in Centerville needed a ride home and Hermansen offered to drive her.
"Jaren took her out for ice cream then drove her to his house after she asked repeatedly to be taken home. (The teen) tried to get out of the car, but when she unlocked the door, Jaren would immediately lock it again," a police booking affidavit states. "Jaren told (her) it doesn't matter what she wants and that he wanted to spend time with her because she is a beautiful woman."
Hermansen took the girl to his home in West Valley City where he allegedly told her that he wanted to get her "pregnant and have a kid with her," according to the affidavit.
The girl was then sexually assaulted, police say. While she was in Hermansen's bathroom, she saw his wallet, which is how she was able to tell police Hermansen's full name and date of birth. When the teen attempted to make a run for the garage door, Hermansen grabbed her, took her back to his room and made her stay the night, the affidavit alleges.
After Hermansen eventually agreed to take the girl home, she went to a local hospital for a sexual assault exam. Hermansen was taken into custody on Thursday.
The Ogden Police Department is also investigating Hermansen for allegedly trying to kidnap the same girl after the incident in West Valley City.
"Jaren forced her into his car and drove away with (her). (She) was able to escape and immediately reported the incident to law enforcement," according to the affidavit.
