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LOGAN, Utah (AP) -- A 27-year-old man who admitted to fondling women while they slept in his car or home faces up to 45 years in prison.
Gareth M. Cooley, of North Logan, pleaded guilty to three felony charges of forcible sexual abuse.
He faces up to 15 years on each count when he is sentenced Dec. 8.
Cooley waived his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday and entered a plea agreement with the Cache County Attorney's Office. In return for his plea, two identical charges were dismissed.
According to authorities, Cooley inappropriately touched a woman who fell asleep in his car. On two other occasions, he fondled two different women who fell asleep at his home while watching movies.
The abuse occurred between February and July, North Logan Police Chief Kim Hawkes said.
On two of the charges, Cooley entered an Alford Plea, which means he pleaded guilty to the charges but didn't admit to all the specific allegations.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
