LOGAN, Utah (ABC 4 News) - The director for the Cache Valley Multicultural Center was arrested Tuesday and now faces sex abuse charges.
Police say Leo Bravo was taken into custody after they received a complaint from an alleged victim who said Bravo "took unwanted sexual liberties" with her when she went to him looking for legal help. Police say the alleged incident took place on November 16.
"He did some inappropriate touching and we're not taking it lightly," said Captain Jeff Curtis of the Logan police department.
Wednesday afternoon the woman requested and was granted a civil stalking injunction. It forbids Bravo from approaching her similar to a protective order.
In the document the woman claimed "he touched her breasts, put his hand down her pants and touched her v-----."
The victim also wrote that "He wanted to have sex. He has done this on a number of occasions."
She also claimed Bravo said she "Needed to experiment with sex with others.... (victim) didn't need a therapist, (she) needed a man like him to have sex with."
Bravo is a known advocate of latino community in Cache Valley, heading the multicultural center that advocates immigrant issues, such as employment, legal status and community integration.
Wednesday his office at the community center was closed. A sign was posted outside saying it would re-open Dec. 3.
Across the hall where Dallin Phillips has his office there's a wall of fame of prominent citizens. Among the clippings Phillips has gathered were several of Leo Bravo.
"It is shocking," Phillips said. "It leaves a void. You wonder who takes up the void."
And that's what immigrants who come to Bravo's office are wondering as well.
Jose Marin was hoping Bravo could help him out.
"I came looking for this man because I was told he could help me find a job," Marin said.
But he left without getting any advice.
Those who know Bravo stand behind him. And while they sympathize with the victim they will continue to support the man they've come to love in their community.
"No one is guilty until he is proven guilty by a jury," said longtime friend Rolando Murillo. "So we can't make assumptions or conclusions as to whether he's guilty or not."
Bravo was charged with two second-degree felony counts of forcible sexual abuse.
He was released from jail Wednesday afternoon without having to post bail. He is scheduled to make an initial court appearance Dec. 8.
Meanwhile Sgt. Jeff Curtis of the Logan Police department said the investigation has been difficult.
"It's a very serious case for us," Sgt. Curtis said. "He has helped our community a tremendous amount over the years. It's a difficult case and we wanted to make sure we had all the facts."
He said detectives are continuing their investigation. They are asking other clients of Bravo to come forward who may have had similar encounters with him.
