Wasatch County's indicted sheriff refused to resign and takes paid leave until January
A September 2025 report by retired Judge Richard McKelvie, hired by Wasatch County, raised concerns that Sheriff Jared Rigby used a county vehicle and fuel to commute to a second job as a BYU police officer, sought public money for a post-election banquet and gifts, and that employees feared retaliation; the county said the report found no gross mismanagement. Utah's POST council closed a probe of Rigby in April 2026 with no discipline. On Oct. 7, 2026, a grand jury indictment was unsealed charging Rigby with second-degree felony obstruction of justice and making a written false statement, tied to alleged interference in the Kouri Richins murder prosecution. He pleaded not guilty. Rigby, who lost his June primary, refused the county's offer to pay his remaining salary if he resigned, and on Oct. 21 the council accepted his request for paid leave. His term ends in January 2027.
He acknowledged he drives his county vehicle to Provo every day, and that the fuel he uses is paid for by the county.
Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training, the state council that polices the police, opened an investigation into Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby late last year. It told KPCW April 29 it closed that inquiry with no disciplinary action against Rigby.
Rigby is charged with second-degree felony obstruction of justice and making a written false statement, which is a class B misdemeanor.
County officials said in their proposed resolution that they had offered to pay Rigby the remainder of his salary and benefits if he would resign from office, but he refused.
Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby announced Wednesday that he will begin voluntary administrative leave, weeks after being indicted by a grand jury.
Pleaded not guilty; said his position on the charges has not changed and he will address them in court.
Not yet contacted for this story.
No outcome recorded yet.