Utah Attorney General John Swallow resigned his office today, as the state prepared to release a report regarding allegations that he violated state election laws.
AG Swallow became embroiled in controversy when the Alliance for a Better Utah filed a complaint against him in January of 2013, claiming violations of state election law. The elections office dismissed nine of the 12 counts in the complaint in May, but the state continued to look at the three remaining. In addition, investigations by two county attorneys and a Utah House special committee are also ongoing, although these could be dismissed upon AG Swallow's resignation. The U.S. Department of Justice closed its investigation in September after deciding not to file criminal charges against AG Swallow.
Governor Gary Herbert called upon the Utah Republican Party's Central Committee to recommend three candidates to replace AG Swallow until a special election is held next November. The Governor named Major General Brian Tarbet, former Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard, to serve as Acting AG until a formal replacement is named.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
