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UTAH COUNTY -- Police arrested 43-year-old Paul Morefield for acting violently toward his girlfriend over their sexual relationship. Police said his sexual advances were directed not only at his girlfriend but also at other neighbors, some of them teenage girls.
American Fork police said they were very concerned about Morefield's violent behavior. On Saturday, they booked him into jail on charges of assault, sexual battery and abuse.
Police were called to an apartment complex on Saturday night. Investigators found Morefield had been aggressive against his girlfriend and alleged his sexual advances turned violent.
"Probably the most concerning of the incidents is the fact there is violence taking place with some sexual overtones. -- American Fork police Lt. Darren Falslev
American Fork police Lt. Darren Falslev said, "There are some indications that he has choked her at one point wrapping a jump rope around her neck. There are also some indications he has put a knife to her throat and to her leg."
Police also learned at the scene Morefield had made some inappropriate advances toward some neighbors the past couple of days. Morefield is believed to have asked them for a hug, including some girls under the age of 18, but instead sexually assaulted them.
"As far as we know, with the rest of the individuals, it's all inappropriate touching over the clothing," Falslev said.
Detectives are still interviewing the victims and forwarding their reports onto prosecutors. At this point, investigators do not believe anyone else was victimized by Morefield.
"You obviously wonder about that," Falslev said, "but at this point, the case has been turned over to the county attorney's office, and we'll let them screen it and see what charges they are comfortable with and go forward from them."
Morefield is still being held in the Utah County jail. Monday morning a judge set his bail at $20,000.
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com
