NORTH OGDEN — While visiting a branch of the Weber County Library on Aug. 16, two 9-year-old boys were befriended by a 19-year-old man, according to North Ogden police.
The man then lured the boys to a "clubhouse" in a secluded field about a mile away and, after one of the boys left, the man forcefully fondled the other child, police said.
The boy ran home, found his parents and told them what happened. The parents, who had been out searching for their son, immediately called police, according to North Ogden police detective Bill Aeschlimann.
The 19-year-old man was booked into the Weber County Jail Friday. He was charged in 2nd District Court on Monday with one count of second-degree felony sexual abuse of a child.
If convicted, the man could face one to 15 years in prison. He is being held on $10,000 bail.
"This is a real concern for us," said Lynnda Wangsgard, Weber County Library director. "This is going to cause us to renew our vigilance."
Wangsgard also wanted to remind the public that libraries are public buildings and are open to a variety of people, but that staff members are always available to help children who might be in danger.
"All we can do is express our regret. We do everything we can to make everyone's experience a safe one while they're here," she said.