House looks to hire investigators for Swallow probe

The Utah House committee investigating Attorney General John Swallow began its search Tuesday for investigators to dig into a series of allegations of misconduct against the state's top cop.

The panel published a 23-page request for bids for firms to interview witnesses, gather evidence, prepare reports and investigate "allegations of criminal and civil misconduct" in the matter.

Utah officials last week chose legal powerhouse Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld to serve as the committee's special counsel. The Akin Gump team will be led by Steven Reich, who was part of the defense team during the impeachment of then-President Bill Clinton and who led the investigation that resulted in the resignation of Connecticut Gov. John Rowland.

The Rowland probe was a massive, document-intensive undertaking that relied on subpoenaing hundreds of thousands of records. At one time, the committee employed enough investigators that it was the largest investigative agency in the state, surpassing the FBI.

The Utah House inquiry of Swallow, who has denied any wrongdoing, is expected to cost as much as $3 million.

According to the bid documents for the Swallow investigation, the House is seeking a team of private investigators, as well as secretarial and support staff to work with the committee.

Bids are due by Aug. 23. The contract is expected to be announced Aug. 30.

gehrke@sltrib.com

Twitter: @RobertGehrke