SALT LAKE CITY — The man who acted as interim Utah Attorney General during a political scandal that ousted the state’s top law enforcement officer has announced his retirement.
In a statement, Chief Deputy Utah Attorney General Brian Tarbet announced he would be stepping down at the end of the summer. Prior to joining the attorney general’s office, Tarbet was general of the Utah National Guard.
Brian Tarbet, as seen in this 2011 photo from Hill Air Force Base (photo courtesy 419th Fighter Wing).
“General Tarbet led this office through extremely difficult times and circumstances. The respect he has earned from leaders around the state is only surpassed by the respect and admiration he has from those within the Attorney General’s Office. In many ways, he is irreplaceable,” said Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes in a statement.
Tarbet stepped in and led the Utah Attorney General’s Office after the resignation of John Swallow, who left office in the midst of a political scandal. Swallow and his predecessor, Mark Shurtleff, are currently facing corruption-related charges.
Reyes announced that Solicitor General Bridget Romano would replace Tarbet. She is involved in appeals that deal with the state of Utah. Once elevated to the post, she will be the highest ranking woman in the Utah Attorney General’s Office (aside from attorney general Jan Graham, who served from 1993-2001).
