Commissioners will not investigate documents in sheriff, attorney controversy
Connor Richards, Daily Herald file photo
Utah County commissioners, from left, Amelia Powers Gardner, Bill Lee and Tom Sakievich listen during a public meeting in Provo on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.Utah County Commissioners opted not to authorize an investigation into documents at the center of strife between Utah County Attorney David Leavitt and Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith during Wednesday’s meeting.
Commissioner Tom Sakievich read a prepared statement regarding the striking.
“It has come to our attention that the document in question has been, since March 2020, been in individual private circulation, but not by a county employee, therefore this agenda item isn’t necessary,” Sakievich said. “If further information comes to our attention and we deem an investigation is necessary, we will act accordingly.”
Sakievich made a motion to strike the item, which was unanimously approved.
The investigation in question was regarding “potential, unauthorized release of documents and other related matters” as the agenda item read in the June 8 commission meeting.
During that meeting, approving such investigation was also on the agenda. Smith addressed the commissioners during the public comment portion of the meeting.
“The sheriff’s office has no problem with transparency,” Smith said. “I thank a couple of the commissioners who did reach out to me appropriate questions. I find it interesting, as well as disturbing, that the commission has placed this on a public agenda item. I find it very inappropriate, and it is very out of order.”
Smith continued by calling the agenda item “Leavitt’s attempt to intimidate victims and witnesses and people working this case.” He argued that the commission played a part in the intimidation by including the item in the first place. As it was said during the public comment section, commissioners could not respond.
Following the sheriff’s speech, commissioners discussed one line within the agenda item that they didn’t approve of. They felt the language wasn’t appropriate and, ultimately, they struck the item so it could be re-introduced at another meeting.
After the motion was made to strike the item in Wednesday’s meeting, Sylvie Andrew said she didn’t understand why the commissioners didn’t approve the investigation because “the people” want a full investigation.
“In my opinion, if you drop item 27 you are abdicating your duty as leaders of our county,” she said.
Sakievich responded by saying this involved a narrow-scope investigation and a document that’s been in circulation in 2020. Commissioner Bill Lee added that the documents have been out in the public for at least two years, so it couldn’t be a leak if it has been out for that long.
