Jayden Parker Sever, the son of Heber City Police Chief Parker Sever, had his first appearance in Utah’s District 4 Court on Wednesday morning after being charged with attempted rape and object rape, both first-degree felonies.
He appeared from Utah County Jail. His father did not attend.
Senior Judge Darold McDade, who substituted for Judge Jennifer Mabey, asked Jayden Parker Sever about his yearly earnings, if he’s ever been married, and if he has children.
He said he hasn’t been married, though his answer as to whether he has kids was less clear.
Parker Sever specified that someone has claimed her child was fathered by his son, but it was never confirmed he was the father.
After receiving the information, McDade decided to appoint public defender Aaron Owens to the case, though he said the accused may need to obtain private counsel in the future.
The prosecutor, Assistant Attorney General Langdon Fisher, and Owens agreed to a protective order about the trial’s discovery phase that will require any evidence the prosecutor finds to be shared with the defense and to remain secret from public. In accordance with the proposed protective order, the shared evidence cannot be shared with Parker Sever or any third parties without a court order.
“The evidence in this case includes sensitive information, including identifying information and medical information related to the alleged victims,” court documents state. “The state believes it is appropriate to provide complete discovery to defense counsel without compromising the sensitive information involved here.”
Sever’s alleged crimes reportedly happened between February and March, while he was an employee at Spring Gardens Senior Living in Heber City. The two victims were residents experiencing late-stage dementia.
Months after he lost his job at the facility in March for unrelated reasons, Parker Sever told his father what he’d done, and the chief reported his son to the Utah Attorney General’s Office.
After that, the police chief said he stayed out of the investigation.
“I do love my son,” he said. “I didn’t think this was something he was capable of, but he needs to go through the process, and the legal process will determine what the sentencing and everything else is.”
He said he’s tried to help his son for many years, and hopes he will be able to receive the assistance he needs.
“We’re concerned for the victims of the crimes that he committed,” the chief said. “I think (Jayden) has some mental issues that he needs to deal with. I’m hoping that through this process he can at least be seen for those issues.”
Jayden Parker Sever’s preliminary hearing was set for Aug. 14.