Published by Paul Ivinskas
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Politics

Wasatch County sheriff takes paid leave after refusing to resign

Sheriff Jared Rigby told county officials he is going on voluntary paid leave and will address the felony charge in court.

Published Mountain Time
Source / event date: Original report: 2026-10-21T12:00:00.000Z

Based on reporting by The Salt Lake Tribune. Read the original story →

Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby has gone on voluntary paid leave, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. He sent county officials a letter Tuesday, after they said they planned to call for his resignation at a County Council meeting Wednesday. [1]

County officials had offered to pay Rigby the rest of his salary and benefits if he resigned, and he refused. In the letter he wrote: "My position on the charges has not changed and I will address them in court." [1]

Rigby was indicted earlier this month on a felony obstruction of justice charge and a misdemeanor false statement charge, and has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege he interfered with the prosecution of Kouri Richins, who was convicted in March of poisoning her husband. The felony charge cost him access to a private statewide law enforcement database. [1]

Rigby lost the June Republican primary to Jeremy Hales, the Wasatch County emergency manager, and his term ends in January 2027. Third District Judge Richard Mrazik will hold a hearing Nov. 4 on whether details of the redacted indictment can be made public. [1]

Sources

  1. The Salt Lake Tribune: Wasatch County sheriff takes paid leave amid felony charge

This story was written by AI from the report by The Salt Lake Tribune, which has the full story. How we write stories.

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