Uintah County Man Arrested For Rape Of A Child

By Travis Uresk

12/11/23

Vernal, Ut.- On 12/5/23, a Detective with the VPD began a sexual abuse of a child investigation that occurred at several locations. The victim is a 15-year-old female who reported the incident to her friend that she was sexually abused.

The most recent incident occurred on 12/4/23. The victim was taken to the Vernal Children's Justice Center, where the Detective interviewed her.

On 12/4/23, the victim said around 11:00 pm, she was told by 38-year-old Daniel Jobe Justice to go to his bedroom. Daniel took off the victim's clothes and raped her. This was not the first time this happened, and the victim described this as the same as the previous times and very painful. After, Daniel told the victim to go to bed.

The first time this happened was about four years ago when the victim was 12 years old. Daniel had the victim smoke marijuana with him and rubbed himself up against the child. Daniel then carried the child upstairs to his bedroom, where he touched the underage female.

The victim tried to push Daniel away, but he pushed her down and raped her. The victim said it hurt and was stinging.

Another time this happened was at the end of the victim's 8th grade year, and she was sick. The victim said she was throwing up a lot and had a headache. The same thing happened as the other times. The victim was crying a lot and threw up afterward. The victim said she felt dirty, so she took a shower and felt she couldn't wash it off.

Daniel was interviewed at the Vernal Police Department, and questioning occurred after his rights were explained to him per Miranda. During this interview with Daniel, he admitted that, on several occasions, having the victim in his bed, he would rub against the victim. Daniel explained this would cause him arousal, and he would get an erection.

Daniel further stated that when he would do this, he would ejaculate. Daniel denied ever having penetrative sexual intercourse with the victim. Daniel did admit to touching the victim with his hands.

Daniel was transported to the Uintah County Jail to be booked in.