Judge rejects mental health defense for man who lured runaway teens to southern Utah hotel

ST. GEORGE — An Arizona man accused of luring two girls to a Hurricane, Washington County, hotel last spring won't be going home anytime soon.

On June 19, 50-year-old Theral Dockstader Hammon, of Colorado City, Arizona, appeared at 5th District Court for sentencing on two second-degree felonies, kidnapping and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one misdemeanor count of criminal solicitation of a minor, charges to which Hammon pleaded guilty due to a mental condition back in March.

The judge sentenced Hammon to serve between one and 15 years in the Utah State Prison on each of the second-degree felonies. The 365-day jail sentence on the misdemeanor solicitation charge was suspended in the case.

The case was filed May 24, 2024, following Hammon's arrest by the Hurricane Police Department for attempting to lure two young girls into his vehicle, both of whom were reported as runaways the previous evening, according to charging documents filed at the time.

Following his arrest, Hammon remained at Purgatory Correctional Facility on a no-bail hold. A public safety assessment filed with the court rated Hammon at the highest risk of committing a violent offense.

Read the full article at St. George News.

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