RIVERTON, Utah (ABC4) — A Riverton man accused of sexually assaulting multiple victims he found through Snapchat throughout the Salt Lake Valley is now facing several first-degree felony charges, according to court documents.
Shayne Tuft, 21, was formally charged with one count of first-degree felony aggravated kidnapping, two counts of first-degree felony aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree felony rape, and one count of first-degree felony object rape.
Prosecutors claim Tuft uses Snapchat to prey on girls, meets up with them, sexually assaults them, and “takes what he wants from them.”
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In one such case, Tuft allegedly met with a 16-year-old victim who he had been speaking to since she was 15. The two made plans to meet up, according to court documents, but the girl became uneasy when they met because Tuft “looked too old.”
Tuft allegedly did not take the girl home despite her requests, instead taking her to two different locations and reportedly sexually assaulting her. At one point, Tuft allegedly pinned the girl down and covered her mouth as an officer patrolled the parking lot.
According to court documents, Tuft later created fake social media accounts to stalk the teen, following her while she was with her friends at a park.
An initial appearance for Tuft has been scheduled for Monday, Nov. 4.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.