Parents threaten news crew moments before son admits to raping teenager
Published at | Updated at
ST. ANTHONY – A 25-year-old Ashton man appeared in district court Friday, Jan. 21, and admitted to raping a 14-year-old girl in June 2015.
Aaron Seaton pleaded guilty to one count of felony statutory rape as part of a plea agreement. Seaton was originally charged with felony rape but, under the agreement, the charge was reduced.
Seaton was 24 when the rape occurred, which resulted in a pregnancy. Two months later, in August 2015, he married the teenager in Missouri. The girl’s father, Keith Strawn, is facing charges for taking the couple out of state for the wedding.
“I’ve had sexual relations with the victim,” Seaton admitted to Seventh District Judge Gregory Moeller.
“Did it happen more than one time?” Moeller asked.
“After we were married, yes,” Seaton responded.
“Did it happen before you were married?” Moeller asked.
“Only once,” was Seaton’s reply.
Court documents say the girl had a miscarriage in October. They also show the marriage is in the process of being annulled.
Seaton’s attorney, Rusty Hansen, recommended Seaton receive a suspended six-year prison sentence and be placed on probation for five years. He also suggested a $5,000 fine and an option for Seaton to be removed from the state sex offender registry in 10 years.
“The defendant has just pled guilty to an extremely serious felony, one that has a maximum punishment of life in prison,” Moeller responded. “This is a type of case category that is severe.”
Moeller said he was concerned about the age difference between Seaton and the victim when the crime occurred. He also noted an active Bannock County warrant for Seaton’s arrest. Additionally, the suspect was on probation when the rape happened in June.
Moeller ordered Seaton to the Fremont County Jail immediately until sentencing on March 8. Seaton will undergo a psychosexual evaluation and a presentence investigation before the sentencing hearing.
Even though Seaton’s attorney recommended probation, Seaton could face up to life in prison and a $50,000 fine.
Before the hearing, EastIdahoNews.com approached Seaton for comment. His mother grabbed our microphone and told us we were “jerks.”
His father said, “We’ll break it” several times – referring to the microphone. Seaton’s mother then shoved her middle finger into our reporter’s face.
Strawn, the girl’s father, is facing two felony injury-to-child charges and one felony charge of accessory to rape. He is scheduled for a jury trial on March 24.
RELATED CONTENT
Police: Local father took teen daughter out of state to marry man who impregnated her