SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - A criminal probe into Utah's controversial State Treasurer's race is continuing.
Richard Ellis defeated opponent Mark Walker in the GOP primary Tuesday for the office of State Treasurer.
Before the primary, Ellis alleged his opponent had offered him a big raise if Ellis dropped out of the race for the top spot.
The Attorney General's Office appointed two special prosecutors Thursday to look into the matter - one Republican, one Democrat.
The Attorney General's Office released the following statement:
COUNTY ATTORNEYS TO CONTINUE A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
The Utah Attorney General’s Office has requested that County Attorneys Troy Rawlings and Mark DeCaria continue as recently-appointed Special Counsel to investigate the allegations of election law violations raised in the Republican primary race for State Treasurer. A complaint filed by Richard Ellis, first with the Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office and thereafter with the Utah Attorney General's Office, alleged facts which, if substantiated by further investigations, could result in a misdemeanor criminal charge. The two County Attorneys, one a Republican and one a Democrat, have accepted the appointment and agreed to investigate the alleged violation to determine if sufficient
evidence exists to make a criminal case referral.
Despite earlier reports to the contrary that no referral would be made, the Attorney General’s Office views this investigation as essential to generate an objective determination of the facts for the benefit of the voters and other members of the public and to ensure the integrity of the election process.
