SALT LAKE CITY — Reacting to a jury verdict that found Hildale and Colorado City violated civil rights, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes suggested disbanding the polygamous towns’ police force.
In a statement to FOX 13, Reyes praised the verdict. A jury sided with the U.S. Department of Justice, which sued Hildale and Colorado City, accusing it of acting as a de-facto arm of Warren Jeffs’ Fundamentalist LDS Church and discriminating against non-members in housing, utilities and policing.
“Our office continually works to address complaints in the Short Creek area, partnering with local, state and federal agencies on issues ranging from law enforcement to education and human services,” Reyes said in the statement.
The Justice Department and the towns have 10 days to propose injunctive relief. In addition, Hildale and Colorado City previously negotiated a $1.6 million settlement for housing violations.
Reyes said his office would be watching the remedies.
“One possible remedy would be disbanding the current marshal’s office and replacing it with county sheriffs. The Attorney General has supported disbanding the marshal’s office if adequate law enforcement resources can be found as a replacement,” his office said.
