Shayne Lyle Rowley, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexually assaulting a minor in Cortez, will face a jury trial beginning Oct. 27 in 22nd Judicial District Court, with Judge William Furse presiding.
The trial is expected to run Oct. 27-31 at 8:30 a.m. each day. Motion hearings will be held Sept. 11 at 2 p.m.
The investigation began June 6, 2024, after a woman and child reported multiple assaults. At a forensic interview on June 11, 2024 at the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center, the child described several incidents involving Rowley, a truck driver from Utah, that allegedly took place over multiple years. The child also expressed concern that the child’s friends could have been assaulted by Rowley.
The woman shared information about the minor’s behavioral changes as well, including details about refusals to spend time with Rowley unless accompanied by friends or siblings, a pattern that intensified around four years ago.
Rowley’s criminal history includes past assault and domestic violence convictions. The woman also provided the police with text messages and information surrounding other alleged domestic violence incidents involving Rowley.
In this case, which was officially filed on June 13, 2024, Rowley faces a Class 3 felony for sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, a Class 4 felony and a Class 2 misdemeanor, among other potential charges.
