Magna's mayor threatened police officers' jobs and stays in office with only a censure
An 85-page independent investigation by the law firm Hayes Godfrey Bell, ordered after complaints in July 2026, found that Magna Mayor Mick Sudbury showed a pattern of unprofessional conduct toward city and Unified Police Department employees, exercised improper authority and retaliated against a witness. The investigator called his treatment of police the most serious finding, saying he threatened officers' employment when they did not do what he wished, and recommended his conduct be referred to prosecutors for independent evaluation. On Oct. 19, 2026, the Magna City Council unanimously censured him, restricted his contact with staff and police, and required 40 hours of training within 180 days. His attorney said he overstepped some boundaries with police but disputed other findings. Utah law gives the council no power to remove him, and Utah has no recall elections; he remains mayor.
The investigator wrote the most serious finding was Sudbury’s interactions with law enforcement, finding that he threatened the employment of officers with the Unified Police Department when they did not do what he wished in certain cases and instances.
The Magna City Council unanimously voted to formally censure Mayor Mick Sudbury following an independent investigation that found a pattern of unprofessional conduct, intimidation, retaliation and improper use of authority.
Through his attorney, said he overstepped some boundaries with police but called other disputes differences in management style.
No outcome recorded yet.