Sheriff Jared Rigby Photo: Utah Sheriff’s Association

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah – Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby says his office is taking concrete steps to respond to an investigation released last week that detailed allegations of retaliation, favoritism, misuse of county resources and absentee leadership.

In an interview with TownLift on Monday, Rigby insisted the report shows no criminal or policy violations, but acknowledged the findings revealed problems with morale and trust inside the Sheriff’s Office that must be addressed.

“We welcome the report and recommendations that are given,” Rigby said. “We’re looking to embrace them and to make whatever changes or improvements will best help the community and the office. We’re positive about it, and the employees are as well.”

Allegations in the report

The investigation, led by retired Judge Richard McKelvie at the request of the Wasatch County Council, stemmed from complaints by former Lt. Shane Fredrickson and others who alleged misconduct in the office.

McKelvie’s report described a culture of fear in which employees worried about retaliation for speaking out. One corrections officer who spoke with the judge was later placed on indefinite leave, a move McKelvie called “an act of retaliation.” Others declined to participate in interviews until they had secured new jobs.

The report also detailed allegations that Rigby provided exam questions to a favored candidate during a lieutenant’s promotional test, raising concerns about fairness in hiring. Witnesses accused the sheriff of favoritism that left other employees unwilling to seek promotions, according to the report. Rigby denied passing along test answers, but acknowledged lengthy conversations with the candidate.

In addition, McKelvie flagged the Sheriff’s outside employment as a police officer at Brigham Young University, saying it left him “absent” from his elected duties and created potential misuse of county resources, including driving a county-issued vehicle to Provo.

New Professional Standards division

Rigby said those findings are being taken seriously, even if he disputes some of the specifics. His office has launched a new Professional Standards Division that will handle complaints independently of supervisors.

“There were concerns with some former employees about feeling that they couldn’t or that they were worried about coming forward,” Rigby said. “In a lot of law enforcement agencies, especially larger ones, they go to this model where there’s a separate internal affairs division. That’s what we’re doing now.”

The new division will also oversee accreditation. While the jail has long participated in the Utah Sheriff’s Association accreditation program, patrol, dispatch and other divisions have not. Rigby said expanding oversight will build credibility with employees and the public.

Hearing from employees directly

Rigby has also hired an independent consultant to meet individually with the office’s 110 employees, gather feedback anonymously, and present suggestions for change.

“We’re providing an opportunity for each person to anonymously give their thoughts and their feelings,” he said. “Then we’ll be able to take all of those suggestions from employees, and we can start implementing them as well.”

He added that staff have already been briefed on the office’s response. “Our overall approach is being accepting, welcoming, inviting of the report,” Rigby said.

No policy violations, Rigby stresses

Rigby continues to emphasize that investigators found no violations of law or county policy. “The most important thing that citizens are keying in on is that there’s no policy violations, and the county also acknowledges that Cache County did a criminal investigation, and there’s no evidence of criminal wrongdoing,” he said.

Still, he said, the office has room to improve. “There’s always things inside any organization that can be improved, and we definitely have that in our office as well,” Rigby said. “But it’s the public’s office. If there’s individuals in the community that want us to work on certain things, then of course we want to do that.”

Cases and public safety

Rigby said the report will not alter how major cases are handled. Questions have persisted around the 2020 death of Patrick Hayes, which some in the community believe was improperly closed. Rigby said charging decisions rest with prosecutors, though families may ask the Utah Attorney General’s Office to review cases.

“The case could be looked at even more and considered by another office like the Attorney General’s office,” Rigby said. “I’m always open to whatever the victims and the family would like.”

Beyond the report, Rigby highlighted other priorities for his office, including a new Investigations Division and a county probation program designed to provide alternatives to incarceration. He said probation officers work closely with defendants and judges, offering monitoring and connections to treatment programs.

“It’s not just about incarceration or locking people up, but it’s more proactive,” Rigby said. “We’re trying to start earlier at getting individuals resources and help, and not just waiting until a year from now or two years from now once there’s an actual conviction.”

Looking ahead

Rigby, who is serving his second term after running unopposed in 2022, said the report has created an opportunity for change. He said outside consultants, employee feedback, and third-party accreditation will help restore confidence.

“There’s a bright future,” he said. “Any law enforcement agency ought to be welcoming and open to that kind of a review, because it’s the community’s office.”