A registered sex offender has been arrested in Sandy, charged with lewd conduct near a local park. Victor Anthony Tapia, aged 31, was detained following allegations of masturbating in the bushes by a canal adjacent to Scott Cowdell Park, with several children nearby, as reported by ABC4.
Police were dispatched last Saturday around 7:45 p.m. after a caller reported the incident. Upon arrival, Tapia, who was seated by the canal, openly admitted to the act, saying, "I'm masturbating," according to KSLTV. Officers noted that Tapia was in clear view, approximately 30 feet away from the public trail.
Further interacting with Tapia, the officers noticed a "strong odor of an intoxicating beverage," and Tapia confessed to consuming alcohol, and using methamphetamine, KUTV reported. Notably, Tapia disclosed that he had been released from jail on a previous third-degree felony lewdness charge just 15 days prior.
According to the police affidavit, when questioned about his recent jail time, Tapia mentioned that it was "for what I'm doing right now." As he stood up, officers observed his pants nearly falling, a detail that added to the lewd scenario that unfolded, in sight of parkgoers including young children. He is now facing charges of lewdness involving a child with prior offenses, sex offender violation, and misdemeanor intoxication, confirmed by both the police statement and local news outlets.
Tapia's arrest has underscored community concerns regarding repeat offenders and public safety, especially near areas frequented by families and children. His actions have led to his subsequent detention at the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. No further details have been released, as the investigation continues and the case unfolds.
