As many as 10 victims involved in child sex abuse case
LAYTON, Utah (KUTV) Police say there are now as many as ten victims in a child sex abuse case in Layton, Utah.
Alexander Winward, 18, is accused of molesting young boys at his home over a period of about a year.
He was arrested and charged last week with eight felony counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child. But since then, the number of victims has grown.
"We have five confirmed victims with the potential of five additional victims," said Layton Det. Sgt. Riley Richins.
Winward is accused of fondling the boys on multiple occasions, sometimes in front of each other. In one case, Winward promised one of the boys a game on the Xbox if he let him touch him, charging documents stated.
Richins said the victims are between seven and 12 years old. He said they live in Winward's neighborhood and know the suspect.
It's possible the victim count could still rise, Richins said.
"The suspect Alex and his parents actually have been cooperative and have disclosed other victims' names," Richins said.
Neighbors said they know and love the Winward family and are shocked by what's happened.
Police said this case should serve to warn parents everywhere.
"Really have that relationship with your children to where you can talk to them and they feel comfortable talking to you," Richins said.
Winward remains in the Davis County Jail on no bail. He had his initial court appearance Wednesday. His family declined to comment about the case.
