CEDAR CITY — A former Cedar City massage therapist accused of sexually abusing multiple customers has been sentenced to at least seven years in prison after pleading guilty to three felony charges,
Tyler Trost Braun, 42, was sentenced on Monday to one term of five years to life for object rape, a first-degree felony, and two terms of zero to five years for forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony. Fifth District Judge Matthew L. Bell ordered that the prison terms run consecutively.
As previously reported, Braun was arrested in October 2023 following a police investigation. Several women reported they had been inappropriately touched or sexually assaulted by Braun as he was giving them a massage.
During the investigation, one of the women who reported being assaulted by Braun reportedly made a pretext phone call to Braun during which he reportedly shared an entry from his personal journal admitting that he should not have done what he did.
“He also read from the entry that this should not have happened and that his behavior should never cause women to sense fear with him,” one of the probable cause affidavits filed against Braun states, adding, “He also wondered in this entry how many other women no longer feel safe with him.”
Braun was originally charged with 14 felony counts. However, after pleading guilty to three counts on May 6, the remaining 11 charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
How much prison time Braun ultimately serves will be determined by Utah Board of Pardons.
“The prosecution of Mr. Braun would not have been possible without the strength and courage of the survivors of Braun’s predatory acts,” said Trajan Evans, deputy Iron County Attorney and the county’s public information officer.
“Without their voices, Braun would have had continued access to countless other victims,” Evans told Cedar City News in a written statement. “The Iron County Attorney’s Office admires their strength and resiliency.”
Evans also expressed appreciation for the diligent work of police detectives Jake Hoyt and Matt Topham.
“Their investigative efforts were key in delivering justice,” Evans added. “Finally, the Iron County Attorney’s Office is grateful for Canyon Creek Services for their work in our community and with these survivors. They provided and will continue to provide support for these survivors and countless others in our community.”
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