Utah resident Shayne Rowley was sentenced to 24 years to life in prison on July 28 after being convicted in April by a Montezuma County jury for sexual assault of a child.
“This maximum sentence underscores the seriousness of this case, and the danger that this defendant represents to children,” Justin Pierce, assistant district attorney for the 22nd Judicial District, wrote in a statement to The Journal. “It will prevent further harm by this twice convicted sex offender by removing him from society for at least two decades – likely longer – and provide lifetime parole should he ever be deemed fit to release.”
Rowley was convicted on two counts. He was found guilty of sexual assault of a child by one in a position of trust with a victim under 15 years old and as a part of a pattern of abuse. He was also convicted on aggravated incest.
According to an affidavit from June 2024 outlining testimony from the victim and the victim’s mother, Rowley, a former truck driver who resided in Utah, visited the victim in Cortez between his routes, staying in the Baymont Hotel or picking them up for monthslong periods.
The affidavit details several instances of unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault said to be perpetrated by Rowley, including one incident at the duck pond in Cortez and several at the Baymont Hotel. The victim suspected their friends had similar experiences with Rowley.
The victim’s mom corroborated the victim’s experiences.
A Cortez police detective confirmed observing text messages from Rowley to the victim and the victim’s mother exhibiting controlling and verbally abusive behavior.
Previously, in 1999, Rowley was arrested for sexual abuse of a child and convicted for sexual assault in Salt Lake City in 2000. He was also arrested for domestic violence and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child by Salt Lake City sheriff’s deputies in February 2002 and convicted of assault related to the incident in 2014.
In order to be released from prison following his minimum of 24 years served, Rowley must be deemed safe by a parole board. If released, he would serve 20 years to life on parole. He must register as a sex offender for life.
“I thank our partners with the Cortez Police Department, Child Protective Services, and the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center – as well as countless others – who collaborated to serve justice in this case,” Pierce said. “I also thank the child survivor who remained strong for over two years to see that this repeat offender faced justice and can no longer harm any other children in the future.”
avanderveen@the-journal.com
