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SALT LAKE CITY — Outgoing Moab Police Chief Jim Winder, who was former sheriff of Salt Lake County, has accepted a position to become Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill's new chief investigator.
Gill announced Wednesday that Winder will head the district attorney's new Investigations Division, which was created this year.
“We’re excited about Jim Winder joining our team. Jim’s leadership will help the District Attorney’s Office continue to meet the needs of the community and justice system. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. As Salt Lake County continues to grow and expand, we are building the infrastructure of leadership to best serve our residents," Gill said.
Winder will oversee 13 investigators for the district attorney's office. They will be assigned to work on cases being developed by prosecutors or cases that have already been filed and additional information is needed, such as in cases of homicide, sexual assault and gangs.
Wednesday's announcement comes just a day after Winder unexpectedly announced he was leaving Moab just two years after being hired. Winder said on Tuesday that he wanted to spend more time with his family in Salt Lake City, where they are involved in sports and school.
When asked whether Winder had already made the decision to leave Moab before being offered the job or if he's leaving his police chief position because of the D.A.'s offer, Gill said it was a little of both.
"This is something we've been working on," he said.
Jim Winder to step down as Moab police chief, return to Salt Lake area
After nearly two years in southern Utah, Moab Police Chief Jim Winder is set to leave the department and return to the Salt Lake City area.With Winder moving back to Salt Lake City, Gill said the opportunity presented itself.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office has the largest caseload of any county or district attorney's office in the state, Gill said, and some of the most complex matters. He said he welcomed Winder to help his office with those cases.
