This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A panel of judges is scheduled to meet Oct. 11 at the Heber City Courthouse, 1361 South Highway 40, to hear testimony to determine if reasonable cause exists to call a grand jury.
Utah's Grand Jury Statute requires a panel of judges selected from throughout the state to hold hearings in each judicial district every three years to determine if a grand jury needs to be summoned based on evidence of criminal activity.
Those wanting to testify should contact District Court Administrator Debra Moore at 801-578-3800 by Sept. 28. If no appointments are scheduled by Sept. 28, the meeting will be canceled without further notice.
Individuals must be prepared to give evidence to support claims that justify calling a grand jury. Controversies between individual parties will not be considered. Individuals who need special accommodations during the hearing must notify the court at least three business days prior to the hearing.
The Grand Jury Panel is comprised of the following judges: Senior Judge A. Lynn Payne, 3rd District Judge Terry Christiansen, 4th District Judge Steven Hansen, 3rd District Judge Kate Toomey and 2nd District Judge W. Brent West.
The attorney general, a county attorney, district attorney, or special prosecutor appointed under U.C.A. section 77-10a-1 can also present evidence of criminal activity. The panel of judges will hear, in secret, all persons claiming information that justifies calling a grand jury. All individuals appearing before the panel of judges will be placed under oath. If a grand jury is summoned, the jurors will be called from the state-at-large or any judicial district within the state.