A former University of Utah defensive lineman who skipped his sentencing date more than four years ago for abusing his wife was sentenced Monday to jail time.
In February 2013, Koliniasi “Niasi” Leota, then 24, was accused of physically abusing his wife in front of their 2-year-old child. He pleaded guilty to third-degree felony aggravated assault.
But Leota missed his sentencing in July 2013, according to prosecutors, and a judge issued a warrant for his arrest at that time.
In February, the now-29-year-old defendant called and set up a bench warrant hearing, flew in from out-of-state and was arrested, according to prosecutors.