Wasatch Sheriff Seeks Judge’s Disqualification

A Cherokee County judge declined to dismiss Natasha Lopez’s misdemeanor obstruction case, finding a deputy had probable cause to enter her home while seeking her adult son in connection with a fleeing-and-eluding incident. Lopez says the deputy arrested her when she asked to see a warrant and called 911; home surveillance video captured the encounter. In Utah, Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby, charged with obstruction of justice and making a false statement over an alleged effort to undermine the Kouri Richins murder investigation, has taken voluntary administrative leave. Rigby has asked to remove Judge Richard Mrazik, arguing the judge’s prior handling of the Richins case gave him personal knowledge of disputed facts and could raise questions about impartiality; another judge will review the request. The Wasatch County Council is expected to discuss Rigby’s leave and leadership arrangements at the sheriff’s office.