By Tracie Sullivan, For Iron County Today
A Cedar City man was recently sentenced to 15 years to life in the Utah State Prison after being convicted of attempted sodomy of a child.
Fifth District Court Judge Meb Anderson ordered Travis Michael Rowley, 34, to a mandatory minimum of 15 years for crimes he committed in 2022 involving a child under the age of 14.
During an interview at the Children’s Justice Center, the victim told investigators that Rowley repeatedly attempted to kiss and touch her and threatened to hurt her if she ever told anyone. He also at times became physically abusive throwing her against the wall after the victim told him, “no.”
Additional evidence included statements from individuals who reported that Rowley admitted to his actions, describing them as something he intended to use to “make things right,” according to court documents.
One person told police that Rowley said, “it was okay because he was going to save the world and clean the swamp and was going to use what he did wrong to make the world right,” court documents state.”
Rowley was questioned by police and admitted to having “inappropriate feelings” toward the child. However, he denied many of the allegations, blaming familial conflict for the accusations.
Detectives uncovered text messages sent by Rowley, which prosecutors later argued reflected his “warped views of sex.”.
During the hearing, Iron County Prosecutor Trajan Evans highlighted the serious nature of the case, arguing that Rowley’s behavior posed a significant risk to society, particularly to vulnerable individuals like the victim.
In handing down her sentence Anderson cited Rowley’s “disturbing history,” his failure to recognize the criminal nature of his actions, and his lack of accountability.
The Iron County Attorney’s Office commended the bravery of the victim and expressed hope that the resolution of the case provides closure to those impacted by Rowley’s actions.
“We are grateful for the hard work of Detective Justin Chappell and the Iron County Children’s Justice Center. This outcome would not have been possible without the strength of the victim and the dedication of those who worked to bring this case to justice,” Iron County Attorney Chad Dotson said.