Man charged in Pocatello with sexual battery of a minor

POCATELLO — A Pocatello man has been accused of sexual battery after an event that occurred between him and an underage co-worker, police say.

Ulises Emmanuel Valle, 27, has been charged with one count of sexual battery of a minor child – lewd or lascivious contact, one count of sexual battery of a minor child – solicitation, and one count of sexual battery of a minor child – sexual contact.

Court documents state officers with the Pocatello Police Department received a report of sexual assault on Tuesday. The incident took place Sunday, police said. The victim’s age was not provided in court documents.

According to documents, Valle drove the victim from her home to Winco, and then afterward took her to the fast-food restaurant where Valle and the victim both worked. Valle is reportedly a manager at the location.

While parked outside the restaurant, Valle allegedly discussed his sexual preferences with the victim and started touching her leg and then the victim’s pelvic area.

Documents say Valle continued touching the victim before asking to touch the victim’s breasts. The victim reportedly told Valle no and told Valle to take them home.

Valle allegedly drove the victim back to her residence and told the victim, “I’m going to park because I’m enjoying touching your leg.”

According to court documents, the victim made an excuse to leave and later received a text from Valle saying, “I’m sorry for touching you … should have kept my hands to myself.”

Law enforcement contacted Valle at the restaurant he worked and spoke with him. Valle reportedly told law enforcement he had given the victim a ride and that nothing had happened. He then stated that “due to his ADHD” he had touched the victim’s thigh by mistake but immediately removed his hand after he “realized it was not his girlfriend sitting next to him.”

Documents report officers continued their interview with Valle, and Valle would omit information until law enforcement asked more specific questions. Valle allegedly kept changing his story.

Due to Valle’s omissions and the changes he made to his story, documents say officers arrested Valle for sexual battery of a minor.

If found guilty of the charges, Valle may face up to life in prison and may be required to pay fines of up to $150,000.

Valle is being represented by a public defender. The Idaho State Public Defender’s office does not comment on pending cases.

He is set to appear in court for his preliminary hearing August 11.

Although Valle has been accused of a crime, that does not necessarily mean he committed it. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.