Embattled Utah Sheriff's Capt. still em..

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Carbon County Sheriff James Cordova said Thursday that the status of embattled Capt. Guy Adams remained unchanged in the wake of formal misdemeanor charges being filed against his second-in-command.

Adams has been on paid leave since last month, when allegations surfaced that he had vandalized government-owned vehicles at a South Salt Lake auto repair business.

While confirming Adams remained on leave, the sheriff declined comment. "As long as there's an ongoing administrative investigation I cannot comment further," Cordova said.

Adams, 44, was charged Wednesday in 3rd District Court with two class A misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief causing intentional damage to property and one class B misdemeanor of criminal mischief causing intentional damage to property.

Prosecutors allege that on Jan. 6, Adam's patrol vehicle was being worked on at the South Salt Lake auto shop. While Cordova and Adams waited for the repairs to be made, Adams allegedly went to the back of the lot to smoke. After Cordova and Adams left, employees noticed damage "indicative of being keyed or intentionally scratched" to three vehicles parked behind the business, a police report states.

Adam's initial appearance on the charges is scheduled for April 16.

remims@sltrib.com

Embattled Utah Sheriff's Capt. still employed, but remains on leave