Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby filed a motion on Monday to disqualify the judge overseeing his trial, according to court documents reported October 21.
Rigby, who faces accusations of interfering with the Kouri Richins murder investigation, is seeking the removal of 3rd District Court Judge Richard Mrazik from the case.
Rigby and his attorney claim that Mrazik possesses personal knowledge of facts currently in dispute. Specifically, the motion states the judge has knowledge of a letter, allegedly written by Rigby, that outlines allegations of improper conduct against former Summit County detective Eric Mainord. Defense attorneys noted that Mainord was pivotal in the investigation and the charges brought against Ms. Richins.
According to the motion filed Monday, Rigby and his attorney argue that Mrazik's knowledge of the letter could cause a reasonable person to question his impartiality and may make him a potential witness. The decision regarding Mrazik's removal has been referred to another judge for review.
Rigby is one of two Utah sheriffs charged earlier this month for allegedly interfering in the Richins investigation. Rigby and former Summit County Sheriff Dave Edmunds are accused of failing to follow the federal Brady-Giglio policy, which requires prosecutors to share evidence that may be advantageous to the defense.
Rigby is facing charges of obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony, and making a false written statement, a class B misdemeanor. Judge Mrazik is also overseeing the case against Edmunds, who is charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly interfering with the Richins case.
The Wasatch County Council is scheduled to meet Wednesday at 4 p.m. with a call for Rigby's resignation on the agenda.
