Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- Dozens of Beau Babka supporters gathered Wednesday to protest criminal charges filed against him earlier this year.
[Beau Babka's] not a perfect man. He never said he was perfect. But he's not a common criminal, and he's definitely not a felon.
–Jerry Toomey, neighbor
#Toomey_q
"He's an awesome man. He's not a perfect man. He never said he was perfect. But he's not a common criminal, and he's definitely not a felon," said Jerry Toomey, a neighbor of Babka's in Draper. He believes if the case, in which Babka is charged with two third-degree felony counts of misusing public funds, goes before a jury, it would likely be overturned anyway.
"The only reason they're doing this is to drag him in the dirt," Toomey said.
Babka, who unsuccessfully ran for Salt Lake County sheriff last year and resigned this month from the Cottonwood Heights police force in the wake of the charges against him, showed up at the rally to thank his supporters. He said he "couldn't say much," but fought back tears while facing the group that welcomed him with cheers, handshakes and hugs.
The group hoisted signs and waved at passing cars at the corner of 2100 S. State Street, soliciting signatures for a petition they hope to deliver to the district attorney Thursday morning. The petition is asking District Attorney Sim Gill to drop the charges against Babka.
"We are thankful to Beau for the years of public service he has rendered to the citizens of Utah, which is something that has been forgotten as his name has been smeared in the news media over the last several weeks," reads a letter accompanying the petition. "We feel the charges are too drastic for the actions Beau has admitted to."
Organizers of the rally say the former Cottonwood Heights police officer has paid the penalty for his crime.
"He's already done more than enough. He's given up his job, his career and his 19-year pension, it's just too much," said Nate Manning, a long-time friend of Babka's son. Manning and his dad, John Manning, called everyone they know, sent hundreds of texts and e-mails and believed they had the support of more than 200 people.
A recent audit in Cottonwood Heights discovered Babka allegedly used a Cottonwood Heights police department credit card to fuel up a pair of personal vehicles. One purchase was worth $22, the other $25.
Babka told investigators he was left "financially destitute" following his for sheriff. He lost that race as well as his 2004 run for Congress.
A law enforcement veteran of almost 20 years, Babka has served as both the police chief of South Salt Lake and as undersheriff to current Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder.
The maximum penalty for a third-degree felony is zero to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. Babka's next court appearance is scheduled on Feb. 1.
-----
Story written by Wendy Leonard, with contributions from Sandra Yi.
