Leadership Shakeup Amid Censure
The Davis County Commission formally censured Commission Chair John Crofts and stripped him of his ability to supervise county employees during a high-tension meeting on July 7, following a five-month independent investigation into his workplace conduct. The legislative body also reorganized leadership, appointing Bob Stevenson as Chair and Lorene Kamalu as Vice Chair to divide Crofts' previous responsibilities.
Verified Misconduct Findings
The decision to censure Crofts follows an investigation commissioned by the Davis County Attorney’s Office to assess potential liability for the county. According to a July 7 report from Davis Journal, the investigation verified complaints across six specific categories: a hostile work environment, political favoritism, religious discrimination, LGBTQ discrimination, defamation, and fitness for duty.
During the meeting, Commissioner Kamalu read the formal Public Censure Statement, noting that since January 2025, county employees had been reporting inappropriate behavior by Crofts to the Human Resources Department. Kamalu stated that the situation has been difficult for a year and a half, emphasizing that employees need to feel safe at work to avoid leaving their positions.
Impact on County Staff
The investigation, conducted by attorney Kristin A. VanOrman of the firm Strong & Hanni, involved interviews with 26 individuals, including current and former Davis County employees and former coworkers of Crofts. VanOrman's findings, which were released in a report in May 2026, indicated that concerns regarding Crofts' conduct were shared by nearly every person interviewed.
VanOrman's report identified a pattern of behavior that contributed to several high-profile resignations. Since Crofts was sworn into office in January 2025, the county's executive assistant, office manager, and animal care director all resigned. While the report noted these departures were not solely due to Crofts, it concluded that interactions with him played a significant role in their decisions to leave.
Political Favoritism and Defamation
The investigation highlighted specific instances of political favoritism and defamation. According to the report, many employees reported that Crofts would ask new contacts whether they had voted for him or if they were a political delegate. He reportedly warned employees to be careful about which political factions they aligned themselves with at the county.
Regarding defamation, the report noted that Crofts had engaged in statements that carry significant legal liability. These included accusations on social media that certain elected and appointed leaders were hiding information from voters, accusing the Davis County Clerk’s office of illegal actions, and spreading rumors that Commissioner Kamalu was having an affair with a lobbyist.
Crofts Defends His Record
Crofts has vigorously denied the allegations, characterizing the investigation as a political target. In a statement provided during the proceedings, Crofts described the probe as a frivolous and costly effort paid for by taxpayers and labeled it a "political hatchet job." He claimed the investigation was a distraction orchestrated by political opponents due to his "Voters First" stance and cost-cutting initiatives.
Crofts maintained that the investigation yielded no findings of illegal activity and argued that the report was filled with inaccuracies and exaggerations. Despite his denials, the investigation noted that Crofts appeared unable to rebut the claims of egregious behavior with evidence. However, VanOrman's report concluded that Crofts demonstrated a willingness to change and suggested he may not have realized the extent of his misconduct.
Structural Changes
In the wake of the censure, the commission has restructured its internal hierarchy. The legislative body voted to change the responsibilities of the Chair and Vice Chair, with Bob Stevenson assuming the role of Chair. The duties previously held by Crofts will now be divided between Stevenson and Vice Chair Lorene Kamalu.
The investigation was prompted by the need to assess the county's liability following numerous complaints filed by employees. The findings suggest that the conduct in question crossed the boundaries of acceptable behavior and could be considered actionable in a court of law, according to the investigator's conclusions.
County Governance Context
The Davis County Commission is responsible for the executive and legislative powers of the county, which serves a population of over 378,000 residents. The board is tasked with levying taxes, adopting ordinances, and managing the county budget. The current commission includes Chair Bob Stevenson, Vice Chair Lorene Kamalu, and Commissioner John Crofts.
The County Attorney's Office, which commissioned the investigation, is responsible for upholding public trust through the enforcement of law and providing legal advice to county officials. The office also manages various specialized programs, including the Davis County Drug Court Program and various plea in abeyance programs for non-violent offenders.
Ongoing Tension
The recent developments mark a significant period of transition for Davis County leadership. While the commission has moved to implement accountability through censure and leadership changes, the debate over the motivations behind the investigation remains a point of contention between the commissioners and those calling for Crofts' resignation.
