Former Utah National Guard recruiting officer charged with sexually abusing a woman he recruited

ST. GEORGE – A former recruiting officer for the Utah Army National Guard was charged Wednesday with sexually assaulting a college student he recruited more than a decade ago who lived at his home.

Thomas William Tobin III, 49, is charged in 5th District Court with two counts of rape, a first-degree felony.

In 2011, prosecutors said, Tobin was “a recruiting officer for the Utah Army National Guard” and recruited a woman studying at Dixie State College.

“(He) allowed (the woman) to move into his home and work as a nanny for his children,” the charging documents say.

The prosecution assumes that the woman lived in the house for about two months. During this time, she was sexually abused twice, according to the indictment.

“When (Tobin) was questioned by law enforcement in Salt Lake City, (he) denied any physical contact with (her). However, (Tobin) later admitted to having had a sexual relationship with (the woman). (Tobin) claimed (the) relationship was consensual, but also admitted that he was in a position of authority over (the woman),” the indictment states.

Lt. Col. Chris Kroeber, spokesman for the Utah National Guard, told KSL.com on Wednesday that Tobin was “relieved of duty” last year and is no longer a member of the National Guard. While Kroeber said he was not authorized to comment specifically on Tobin’s case, he said such allegations are always taken very seriously when they are made.

“As soon as something lands on a commander’s desk, an investigation is launched,” he said. “Anything that violates our values ​​is addressed immediately.”

It was not known on Wednesday when the police were first informed of the allegations.