James Ezell appeared in Seventh District Court on Monday in regards to criminal charges brought about by an incident that occurred on May 16 in Helper.
The incident sent one man to the hospital after, according to reports, Ezell was reportedly engaged in a domestic violence altercation with his girlfriend in her apartment.
“Her brother, 31-year-old Michael Salzetti, who lives in an adjacent apartment, overheard his sister’s pleadings for help and attempted to gain access to her apartment,” the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office shared in a statement. “James Ezell confronted Salzetti in the parking lot, where according to witnesses, Ezell produced a knife and stabbed Salzetti multiple times and fled the scene.”
During Monday’s hearing, Ezell was formally charged with two second-degree felonies, aggravated assault and burglary of a dwelling. Each charge is punishable by 1-15 years in the Utah State Prison as well as a fine of up to $10,000.
The state asked that sentences for the two counts brought against Ezell run consecutive to one another.
Ezell pleaded guilty to both charges and a sentencing date was set for Oct. 16 at 9 a.m.