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SALT LAKE CITY — A Perry police officer and Hill Air Force Base security guard allegedly tried to bribe a Utah Highway Patrol trooper after a friend was arrested in August for driving drunk.
The friend, Matthew Scott Jones, who reportedly refused a breath test at the scene of the arrest, was later booked into jail for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol. Jones is also a former Ogden city police officer and Weber County Sheriff's deputy, according to documents released in 3rd District Court on Thursday.
Jones and Perry police officer Daniel Kotter had worked together in the past at the Weber County Sheriff's Office and the Weber County Jail.
Kotter offered (the officer) $1,000 to not appear at an upcoming Driver License Division hearing for Jones. - Court documents
Court documents state that the trooper received a text message from Kotter asking to meet someplace "to talk." When the trooper spoke with Kotter on the phone, Kotter offered him $1,000 to not appear at an upcoming Driver License Division hearing for Jones.
The alleged bribe increased to $2,500 over the course of the conversation, after it was revealed that Jones' blood-alcohol level had been about .15 — nearly twice the legal limit — and Kotter said the money could be classified as "a Christmas bonus," according to court documents.
Kotter met the trooper on Sept. 13 and handed over $2,000. Kotter was arrested after he drove away from the encounter.
Court documents state that Jones was applying for a job that required a commercial driver's license, which wouldn't be possible with a DUI on his record. No charges have been filed for Jones or Kotter, according to a check of court records Thursday.
The UHP is continuing an investigation into the matter and took possession of Kotter's cell phone to confirm that the communications involving the alleged bribery took place.
Email:wleonard@ksl.com
