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- Ryan Rampton, a Roy firefighter, remains jailed on child sexual abuse charges.
- Judge Blaine Rawson denied bail, citing the need to protect the victim.
- Rampton's next court appearance is scheduled for November; He's on leave pending investigation.
FARMINGTON — A Roy firefighter facing child sexual abuse charges will stay behind bars for now.
Ryan Rampton, 58, is facing two counts of aggravated child sexual abuse and one count of sodomy on a child — all first-degree felonies.
A child first disclosed the alleged abuse to police in 2017, but according to charging documents, "she was uncomfortable discussing the nature of the abuse to the male police detective who was conducting the CJC interview at the time."
The case stalled, remaining in an "investigatory phase" until it was reported again in March this year when the now teenager came forward again. According to court documents, the teen told investigators Rampton is also a photographer and could have access to other young girls.
In court Thursday, Rampton showed little emotion but appeared to shake his head in disagreement as a prosecutor described the allegations. Rampton's defense attorney argued he should be released on bail, telling the judge Rampton isn't a danger to the community or a flight risk.
After hearing arguments from both parties and from the father of the accuser, Second District Judge Blaine Rawson ordered Rampton continue to be held without bail.
"I think it's important that the victim, in this case, feel protected," said Larissa DeGraaff, who is part of a small network that supports survivors of sexual assault.
DeGraaff doesn't know anyone involved in the case but showed up to offer her support.
"If they can be brave to stand up, they need people to stand with them," she said. "I don't want anybody to feel like they're standing alone."
The KSL Investigators have learned the teen involved in the case is not the only one who reported Rampton to Syracuse Police in 2017. That same year, a woman reported that he sexually assaulted her. Records show Davis County prosecutors declined to charge Rampton with rape due to "insufficient evidence."
The Davis County Attorney's Office has not said whether that case will now get a new look.
The Roy Fire Department released a statement indicating Rampton has been placed on leave pending an investigation, but did not specify how long he has been on leave or whether he is still receiving paychecks.
Rampton is scheduled to appear in court again in November.
If you have experienced sexual violence, you can access help and resources by calling Utah's 24-hour Sexual Violence Help Line at 1-801-736-4356 (English) or 1-801-924-0860 (Spanish). You can also call the Rape Recovery Center office line during office hours at 801-467-7282 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 for free, confidential counseling.
