Cashel Barnett, 31, has been charged with three additional felonies in Utah, including first-degree aggravated sexual assault, bringing the total to five felony counts amid serious allegations of domestic violence and child endangerment.
Salt Lake City, June 26 – Love Island USA contestant Cashel Blew Barnett is now facing five felony charges following a new round of serious allegations, including first-degree aggravated sexual assault, third-degree aggravated assault, and third-degree domestic violence in the presence of a child, according to multiple local media outlets including ABC 4, KJZZ14, and KSL. These charges, filed on Wednesday, June 25, are in addition to the aggravated assault and domestic violence counts he was charged with in May, stemming from a separate alleged incident involving the mother of his child.
Details of the New Charges
The latest charges are reportedly connected to an incident that allegedly occurred between November and December 2024. Authorities have not released further details publicly about the specifics of the newer claims, but the escalation of charges significantly raises the legal stakes for the former reality TV personality.
Cashel’s attorney, Andrew K. Deesing, issued a brief statement to PEOPLE, asserting his client’s innocence.
“Mr. Barnett is presumed innocent, strongly denies any wrongdoing, and looks forward to his day in court,” the statement reads. “We’re in the very early stages of this, so we don’t have any further comment at this time.”
May Charges and Assault Allegations
In May 2025, Barnett was charged with two felony counts — aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child — along with two misdemeanor counts of assault, stemming from an alleged altercation in April with the mother of his child.
According to a police report filed by the Salt Lake City Police Department and cited by KJZZ14, the woman claimed Barnett pinned her to a couch, causing her to lose consciousness due to restricted breathing. When she regained consciousness, she alleged Barnett slapped her and sexually assaulted her. The report further notes that the assault stopped when she reached for their crying child, who was present during the incident.
The victim detailed severe physical symptoms following the incident, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Raspy voice
- Trouble swallowing
- Neck pain
- Vomiting
- Visual changes
- Amnesia and memory loss
- Headache and agitation
Legal Outlook
With five felony counts now on record, including one first-degree offense — the most serious class of felony under Utah law — Barnett faces significant legal consequences if convicted. A court hearing is reportedly scheduled, and further legal proceedings will determine whether the case proceeds to trial.
Barnett, best known for his appearance on Love Island USA in 2019, has remained largely silent on social media amid the growing legal turmoil.