Davis County sheriff 'deeply saddened' by employees' actions following sexual harassment investigation

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FARMINGTON — The Davis County sheriff said policies will change and employees have been disciplined after five department staffers were placed on leave following a sexual harassment investigation.

In a letter released Friday, Davis County Sheriff Todd Richardson said harassing behaviors would not be tolerated by him or his staff.

“I take full responsibility of the mishandling of the situations as it occurred during my tenure,” Richardson wrote. “My personal goal is and remains to ensure a safe workplace environment for each employee under my stewardship as well as the inmates entrusted to my care.”

An investigation, started January 25, revealed that five Davis County Corrections Department employees either sexually harassed female coworkers or didn’t prevent the harassment from happening.

At least six women were victims of sexual harassment by people in the corrections department, according to a human resources representative. The investigation concluded on March 27.

Following the investigation, the top leadership in the corrections department has been changed, Richardson said in the letter. New supervisors have been promoted who will undergo more specific training on sexual harassment, he said.

About 365 full- and part-time employees work in the Davis County Sheriff’s Office, according to Richardson. All receive harassment training when they are hired, and every three years after that while they are employed with the department, he said.

Moving forward, all employees will receive new training relating to sexual harassment, hostile work environment issues and the department’s code of conduct, Richardson said.

“I want the public and our employees to know that all personnel matters will be addressed and handled appropriately,” he said. “I am deeply saddened by the actions of these employees, and offer my sincere apology to the public and the rest of the employees in the Davis County Sheriff’s Office.”