- Sheriff Kevin Potter is under investigation for trespassing and suspected DUI.
- James Knight reported Potter's suspicious behavior and possession of a beer can.
- Two third-party investigations are underway to determine if Potter violated laws.
GARLAND, Box Elder County — Box Elder County Sheriff Kevin Potter is under investigation after allegations of trespassing and suspected driving under the influence that stem from a confrontation with property owner.
James Knight said he noticed a black truck on his property last January. The pasture land has a small easement road that leads to a trail on Forest Service property. Knight said after noticing the truck off the road, he went to confront the driver.
"I said, 'Hey, will you just park at the top or the bottom?' He says, 'I can be wherever I want,'" Knight recalled. He didn't recognize the man.
Knight said as he and a friend continued to speak with the man, he started reaching for something under his hoodie, which made them nervous as they noticed a sidearm. He said the man pulled out his badge, identifying himself as Sheriff Kevin Potter.
"I don't care if you're the sheriff or a private citizen. Just respect the ground. That's all I'm asking," Knight responded.
Afterwards, Knight noticed the same truck along I-15 as he was driving home.
"As I'm following, he kind of hits the rumble strip," Knight described. "I'm like, 'That's odd.' I don't know if he's on the phone or whatever. He did it three or four times."
Knight said Potter then abruptly pulled into the shoulder along the off-ramp near Riverside.
"He swerves off into the gravel, slides to a stop, and I'm like, 'What is going on?' It's really kind of blowing my mind," Knight said. "(He) Jumps out of his truck and kind of books it to me. 'Are you following me?' I said, 'No, I want to apologize. I wasn't trying to be rude. We've just had a lot of issues with trespassing.'"
Then, Knight said that Potter seemed to stumble and slur his speech.
"And I noticed that in his pocket, in his hoodie, the butt end of a 12-ounce can. And I'm staring at it, and I'm like, 'What in the world?'"
Knight called 911 to report a suspected DUI but said Potter left. State troopers interviewed both Knight and Potter after the incident. According to reports obtained by Knight as a subject of the investigation, Potter only gave a statement over the phone.
"He told me that he did have a beer can in his pocket and that sometimes he'll go on a hike with a beer in his pocket and drink one while watching the sun set," the report reads. "(He) then continued to state that he was not impaired and didn't break any laws while driving."
Potter also told Troopers that he flashed his emergency lights at Knight in that same vehicle. According to Box Elder County fleet vehicle policy, there should be "No transportation of alcohol or controlled substances in any fleet vehicles."
Knight worries that because of Potter's position, he could be given special treatment. He also wants citizens like himself to be better informed as Potter is now up for reelection. He said he never paid any attention to who he was before.
"I voted for him, but just simply because that's the only name at that time I recognized," Knight recalled. "I didn't know anything about him or who I was voting for, which I know is not great."
According to a statement from the Box Elder County Commission, two third-party investigations are taking place to look into whether Potter broke any laws, or violated county policy.
In a statement to KSL, Potter said, "I can't comment on an active investigation. I am cooperating fully, and when the outside investigation is over the county will put out a statement."
