A former Cache County man has been awarded $302,000 by a federal jury that concluded police intimidated two witnesses in his 1987 rape trial.
Paul Sheffield served three years in prison after being convicted of raping his 12-year-old daughter. The Utah Supreme Court overturned the conviction in 1990 because evidence of Sheffield's previous crimes had been admitted at trial.Freed from prison, Sheffield promptly sued Cache County deputies Bill Larsen and Brad Blair, accusing them of violating his civil rights and intimidating witnesses.
After a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge Dee Benson, the jury concluded that the deputies intimidated Sheffield's other daughter and a teenage boy who allegedly gave the rape victim a ride to North Ogden on the day of the rape.
Both witnesses testified against Sheffield at the 1987 rape trial. The boy later said the deputies told him he would be charged with perjury and go to jail if he didn't back the victim's claim that he gave her a ride, helping her get away from her father.
The boy has since changed his story several times, recently saying he did not give the girl a ride.
Three of Sheffield's daughters testified at this week's trial that he had sexually assaulted them. Jurors also heard about the man's five convictions for burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and stolen autos.
After deliberating 11/2 days, the jury awarded Sheffield $300,000 in compensatory damages and $2,000 in punitive damages.
"It's an absolutely unbelievable result," said Scott Daniels, attorney for the deputies.
Daniels will file a motion asking Benson to set aside the jury verdict because he believes it wasn't supported by the evidence.
"I don't have any explanation for this verdict. I'm amazed."
Benson has yet to rule on Daniels' motion for a mistrial, made after a witness suggested to the jury that an insurance company would pay for any damages assessed against the officers.
If Benson denies both motions, the deputies will likely appeal the verdict, Daniels said. "We're not done fighting yet."
Neither Sheffield or his attorney could be reached for comment. Sheffield originally asked for damages in excess of $1 million.