Ephraim City calls in Utah County Sheriffs to investigate possible wrongdoings in Ephraim Police Department
EPHRAIM—Ephraim City has called in the Utah County Sheriff’s Office to investigate allegations of administrative wrongdoing in the police department and has placed Chief Ron Rasmussen on administrative leave with pay, according to City Manager Brant Hanson.
Hanson declined to discuss the specifics of the allegations but promised to explain further when the Utah County Sheriff’s Office investigation is complete by about June 23. Depending on the Utah County findings, there is a possibility of a criminal investigation, he said.
“We’re taking this very seriously,” he said. “We have every faith this will be an opportunity to make changes to improve the department.”
He added that the department is understaffed, particularly when Snow College is in full operation, “which could relate to some of the issues we’re facing.” The city has put funds in the proposed 2017-18 budget for an additional officer.
Hanson said Rasmussen was placed on leave on Friday, June 9. The action in no way implies any impropriety, he said. Placing the chief on leave is simply standard practice in the type of situation at hand. The arrangement with Utah County came together last Tuesday, June 13.
