A 29-year-old man is facing felony charges in Salt Lake County after a woman told investigators she woke up in the back seat of a car to find she was being sexually assaulted following a night of bar-hopping. Police allege the woman had been incapacitated and that the suspect had sex with her while she was unconscious. Detectives say surveillance footage appears to show the man dragging, carrying and placing the woman into a black sedan.
Arrest, charges and court documents
According to ABC4 Utah, court documents identify the suspect as 29-year-old Billy Joel Bonola, who also goes by "Jasper." Police say he has been charged with one count of rape, one count of forcible sodomy, and one count of forcible sexual abuse, all felonies under Utah law, and booked into the Salt Lake County jail.
Victim's account and alleged intoxication
Court records reviewed by ABC4 Utah state that the woman told investigators she had about six mixed drinks while bar-hopping and became "nauseous" and disoriented. She reported that she "felt like she couldn't keep a thought" and that she later woke up in the back seat of a car to find the suspect sexually assaulting her, according to the documents. The filings also state that the suspect purchased emergency contraception for the woman and told police he regretted what had happened.
Surveillance, arrest and booking
Investigators say surveillance video shows what happened after the woman lost consciousness. According to police, the footage appears to show the suspect dragging, carrying and holding the woman up before placing her into a black sedan. Detectives used that video to identify and track down the man, who was later arrested in Salt Lake County and booked into the county jail, police filings state.
What happens next
Bonola's arrest starts the criminal process in state court. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court. Prosecutors and investigators will continue reviewing evidence and will decide whether to pursue additional charges or present the case to a grand jury. Authorities say anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Salt Lake City police.
Local context and resources
Sexual-assault reporting and prosecutions remain a stated focus for county prosecutors. In 2025, prosecutors filed 264 rape charges in Salt Lake County, according to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office. For survivors seeking help, Salt Lake County's Victim Support and the Salt Lake City Police Department provide hotlines, counseling, and advocacy services.
