In The News
Petro & Aston In The News
March 22, 2025
‘Ritual’ sex abuse case: Judge dismisses charges…
The charges against David Hamblin were dismissed with prejudice, meaning prosecutors can’t refile them in the future. He still faces sex abuse charges in a separate case....
February 21, 2025
Former Utah therapist’s child sex abuse charges dismissed in Utah County — again...
Charges against a former Utah therapist accused of “ritualistic child sexual abuse” have been dropped by a Utah County judge, and it’s not the first time. David Lee Hamblin, 70,....
February 20, 2025
Sex assault charges dropped against former therapist due to discovery issues
Six felony charges against David Hamblin in Utah County have been dismissed due to discovery issues. Hamblin was accused of sexual assault against ....
January 11, 2023
Teens who killed 16-year-old Utah boy got s.....
Fourth District Juvenile Judge Scott Davis told two teenagers Monday that they were given a significant gift when the family of Gavin Hone chose to allow their cases to remain in the juvenile court system, and encouraged them to take adva...
August 22, 2022
‘It’s not working’: KSL Investigates unintende...
The Utah Legislature passed a new law this year aimed at strengthening self-defense rights in the state – but six months after the legislation went into effect, the KSL Investigators found unintended consequences are impacting v...
April 17, 2023
‘Not an easy decision’: Judge orders deputy to...
Fourth District Judge Robert Lunnen ordered a Utah County sheriff’s deputy to stand trial on charges accusing him of recklessly causing the death of a BYU student whose vehicle he crashed into when the student was pulling out of a T...
August 25, 2021
On our front page this week August 25, 2021
Troy Pexton, 57, Nephi, was released from jail earlier this month on a $10,000 bond when Fourth District Court Judge Anthony Howell dismissed the murder charge Pexton was facing, but that dismissal is now being reviewed by the attorne...
August 29, 2023
Multiple lawsuits seeking millions continue.....
Utah-born professional golfer Tony Finau grew up in an impoverished neighborhood on Salt Lake City’s west side, honed his swing by pounding golf balls into a mattress hung in a garage, and used old equipment that was either borrowed or purchased at thrift stores....August 29, 2023
Utah appeals court considers reviving lawsuit.....
The Utah Court of Appeals is considering whether to revive a civil lawsuit filed against pro golfer Tony Finau and members of his family. In arguments Tuesday, a three-judge panel questioned whether it was too late for early backers of Finau......May 3, 1999
Lawyer arrested after raid in Provo.....
A defense attorney was arrested over the weekend after a raid on his Provo home turned up what police said was thousands of dollars worth of stolen property -- including more than 100 guns. Dean N. Zabriskie, 56, was booked into the Utah County Jail for...July 11, 2008
Proctor dad gets 20 days, probation....
Even though he found his wife and his 16-year-old proctor son together, scantily clad in his basement, he still shouldn't have pulled out a gun. "He is sorry for his action," said defense attorney Mike Petro. "He knows his reaction was wrong and he accepts full responsibility."...October 28,2022
Provo police officer formally ....
A Provo police officer arrested last week now faces criminal charges. Mark Petersen is accused of pulling a gun on his common-law wife. The charges filed Thursday are not as serious as those he was booked into jail on last week. He faces one count of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, and a misdemeanor..January 12, 2011
Man pleads in Russian roulette case....
A Spanish Fork man pleaded no contest to negligent homicide Wednesday in connection with a game of Russian roulette that led to the death of his friend. Merrill Chet McKell, 41, was first charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony, for the death of his friend, 27-year-old Cody Hales....February 15, 2020
This Utah man has been accused...
For the eighth time, a Utah man has been accused of sexual assault. The latest case, for which police arrested Samuel Heber Butler on Thursday, involved a young girl. This incident comes just two weeks since the 24-year-old was acquitted of rape in the only case that has actually made it to a courtroom......