Utah AG Investigates Sexual Assault Allegations Against Roy Police Officers

New Details Emerge in the Investigation of Roy Police Detectives Amid Sexual Assault Case

A recent development in an ongoing investigation involving Roy Police detectives has come to light, following a records request that revealed additional details about the case. The incident, which occurred in Snowbird, Utah, involves allegations of sexual assault and has sparked significant attention from local authorities and the public.

The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office (SLCSO) has confirmed that the Utah Attorney General’s Office (AG) is reviewing the case. This comes after the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges, citing that the case did not meet the legal and ethical requirements for criminal prosecution. According to Utah State Code 67-5-1(2)(b), the AG may step in if the district attorney declines to file charges and a law enforcement agency requests a review.

Initial Response to the Incident

According to documents obtained through a Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) request, multiple units from the SLCSO were dispatched to a medical call at Snowbird after midnight on May 15. Deputies arrived but found no Snowbird Public Safety or Unified Fire Authority units on scene. They received minimal information about the situation, but eventually, dispatch informed them of a possible sexual assault.

The responding deputies went to The Lodge at Snowbird, where they made contact with a Snowbird Public Safety officer. The officer reported that they had responded to reports of a “female in distress” and located her “intoxicated and immobile” on the floor of the men’s bathroom. The bathroom was connected to a sauna, and detectives captured photos and secured the room with crime scene tape. The hot tub area was also photographed, and several beer cans were seen nearby.

Another deputy responded to the hospital where the victim was taken, speaking with the crew who transported her. The crew stated that the victim believed she had been sexually assaulted. A sexual assault DNA kit was collected, and the victim reported being “inappropriately touched and sexually assaulted,” experiencing extreme pain and only having one drink.

Statements from Witnesses and Detectives

Statements and DNA evidence were collected from all individuals present at the Lodge during the incident. One deputy noted that the Roy detectives smelled clean, not like sweat from the sauna or swimming pool water. The first Roy officer he spoke with had freshly showered and said his friend was in the shower.

The deputy retrieved statement forms and returned to the room, where two other officers were also freshly showered. One of the individuals became confrontational, stating he didn’t want his name or statement going into an official report. He was told it was too late, and he needed to fill out a statement. At that point, he said the whole thing was “bulls–” and claimed he “can’t believe this is all because a woman ‘can’t handle her alcohol.’”

While filling out the statement, the confrontational officer repeatedly mentioned that they are detectives from Roy PD and that “this is what we do for a living.” Another detective reportedly said he had showered because the woman had gotten vomit on him and willingly turned over his swimsuit. The officer continued to make statements about the victim “not being able to handle herself” and expressed concern that the case would reach his police administration.

Current Status of the Investigation

Four officers were initially placed on leave during the investigation, but one was cleared and returned to work on May 23. On June 18, investigators presented their findings to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office. On July 14, the detective received letters from the DA’s Office, declining to file charges against the four officers. The letter stated that the declination should not be interpreted as doubting the victim’s claims, but rather as the state being unable to meet the high burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

On the same day, the SLCSO detective contacted the Utah AG’s Office to review the case. The case file was sent by the detective, and the Roy Police Department confirmed that the remaining officers would stay on leave while conducting an internal investigation.

Ongoing Developments

The Utah AG’s Office has confirmed that they have received the case for screening and are reviewing it based on Utah State Code 67-5-1(2)(b). As the investigation continues, the community remains closely watching for further updates and potential legal actions.