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ST. GEORGE — The fate of a Hurricane man accused of assault and failing to register as a sex offender was decided — in large part due to an extensive criminal history with dozens of cases for crimes he committed out of state — during a sentencing hearing last week.
Nathan David Karnes, 36, appeared in 5th District Court on Dec. 14 for sentencing on a third-degree felony count of failing to register as a sex offender and misdemeanor assault — charges the defendant pleaded no contest to on Oct. 12. A third felony charge of unlawful acquisition of a financial card was dismissed in exchange for the defendant's plea.
During the October plea hearing, Karnes signed a statement in support of the plea wherein he admitted to hitting his partner in the face during the altercation, and it was also noted that his failure to register as a sex offender was determined by law enforcement.
The charges stem from a Sept. 25 arrest when Hurricane Police officers were dispatched to a family fight in progress. After speaking with the parties, officers arrested Karnes on a simple assault charge, according to charging documents filed at the time of the arrest.
