A Payson man who has been recently charged with sexually abusing young neighborhood girls from 1977 to 1989 when he lived in Fruit Heights is now seeking to have his charges dismissed. He claims that he made a deal in the ’80s that ensured he wouldn’t face prosecution.
Alan Brower Bassett, 75, is facing serious charges related to the alleged abuse of a child. Multiple individuals were interviewed, however, only the accounts of five victims could be utilized to press charges against Bassett, as stated in court documents, due to statutory limitations.
In a statement, Davis County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Taylor West acknowledged the extensive efforts made by detectives in identifying, locating, and interviewing victims. The first report of sexual abuse was received in August 2020.
“After four decades of seeking justice, we are pleased to announce that Alan Bassett has been apprehended, bringing relief to the victims,” West stated.
However, Bassett’s attorney has taken action by filing a motion on Saturday to dismiss the case. They are referring to a 35-year-old “nonprosecution agreement” with the Davis County Attorney’s Office.
Bassett presented a 1989 agreement drafted by former deputy Davis County attorney Brian Namba. The agreement stated that the state of Utah would refrain from pressing charges against Bassett for his past sexual activities. However, Bassett was required to openly communicate and disclose his actions to the victims and their parents. Additionally, he was responsible for covering all therapy costs and completing a sexual abuse treatment program, along with other conditions.
Neither party was able to locate a signed version of the agreement. However, they did submit a separate letter as evidence of a contract, which referenced the agreement signed in May 1989.
The defense claims that the contract in question provides a broad protection, preventing Davis County from pursuing charges against Bassett for any alleged sexual activities involving minors during the specified period.
So far, two other civil suits against Bassett and his wife have been dismissed. One case, filed in 1988, was ultimately dismissed. The woman who sought emotional damages for Bassett’s alleged abuse faced challenges in deciding whether to continue with the prosecution due to the emotional distress involved in addressing the facts of her claim.
In court documents pertaining to the lawsuit, the plaintiff’s lawyer stated that Bassett had made an agreement to cover the costs of any counseling related to the alleged misconduct. However, it was noted that the woman did not actually seek payment for her counseling.
In December 1990, Bassett’s lawyer responded to a request for evidence of the agreement by stating that there is no existing copy of any written agreement that outlines the coverage of counseling costs for the woman. The reply was written following the assertion by Bassett’s current legal team that he signed a written agreement with the Davis County Attorney’s Office in May 1989.
According to the court documents, Bassett’s settlement does not imply any liability or admission of guilt.
In January 2020, a civil case filed against Bassett and his wife by another woman was dismissed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. According to court documents, the case provides detailed accounts of abuse, alleging that the man engaged in sexual assault against a young girl during various outings and visits to his residence.