crime

Trial Delayed for Ex-Wasatch County Sheriff’s Employee Facing Serious Felony Charges

Mitchell McKee's jury trial is postponed as he faces serious felony charges, including human trafficking and sexual abuse involving minors.

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In a significant legal development, the jury trial for Mitchell McKee, a former employee of the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, has been postponed. Originally scheduled to commence this week, the trial is now set for the week of October 19, 2025. McKee is facing a staggering ten felony charges, including severe allegations of human trafficking and sexual abuse involving minors. His arrest in March 2024 followed an extensive investigation into felony sex crimes that police linked back to December 2023. Mitchell McKee, who previously worked as a sex therapist in Provo, Utah, had held a position in administrative services with the Sheriff’s Office. The case against him escalated when agents from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force executed a search warrant at his residence. During this operation, investigators reportedly discovered incriminating materials, including what was described as “age-difficult” nude photos on electronic devices belonging to McKee. These findings raised serious concerns about his conduct and ultimately led to his arrest. Initially, McKee was held in the Davis County Jail following his arrest, but due to the nature of the allegations and his previous employment, the case was transferred to the Fourth District Court. This court jurisdiction is intended to ensure that the case is handled with appropriate attention given the sensitive nature of the charges. On May 28, 2025, during a court appearance, McKee entered a not guilty plea to all ten felony counts. The charges against him are severe, including two first-degree felony counts of human trafficking of a child, two first-degree felony counts of forcible sodomy, one first-degree felony count of enticing a minor, as well as multiple second-degree felony counts of sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor, and a third-degree felony count of dealing in materials harmful to a minor. As the legal proceedings progressed, McKee's defense attorneys filed a motion to dismiss all charges in December, citing a purported lack of evidence. However, subsequent disclosures from the state have prompted both the defense and prosecution to seek additional time to review the materials that may be pertinent to the trial. At a recent pretrial conference, defense attorney Andrew McAdams expressed the need for this time, stating, "There may not be anything there, but given that and the discovery we still need to go through, I think we strike the jury trial." The implications of this case extend beyond McKee’s personal circumstances; they highlight ongoing concerns regarding the protection of minors and the responsibilities of professionals who work with them, especially in sensitive roles like therapy and law enforcement. The community is closely watching how this case unfolds, as it raises critical questions about safeguarding practices and the accountability of those in positions of trust. As the trial date approaches, a status hearing has been scheduled for February 10, 2026, where updates on the case will be addressed. The postponement of the trial not only affects McKee but also reflects the complexities involved in legal proceedings related to such serious allegations. The court's decision to delay the trial indicates the thoroughness required in addressing the charges against McKee, ensuring that all evidence is meticulously reviewed before proceeding. The case has garnered significant media attention, drawing interest from various community members concerned about the implications of such allegations against a former law enforcement employee. As more details emerge, the focus will remain on the judicial process and the importance of ensuring justice for the alleged victims while upholding the rights of the accused. In conclusion, as the legal system prepares to navigate this complex case, the upcoming trial will likely have far-reaching impacts on public perception regarding law enforcement integrity and child protection measures. The community awaits the court's proceedings with bated breath, hopeful for a resolution that reflects justice and accountability in the face of serious allegations.