State asks court to toss ex-A.G. John Swallow's claim for $1.5M in attorney fees

SALT LAKE CITY — The state has asked a 3rd District Court judge to toss out former Utah Attorney General John Swallow's claim for $1.5 million in attorney fees he racked up defending himself against public corruption charges last year.

Swallow was not an officer or employee of the attorney general's office when he was acquitted of the criminal charges against him so he isn't eligible for reimbursement under Utah law, state attorneys argue in a March 26 court filing.

And even if Swallow wins in court, the attorney general's office says it doesn't have the money to pay him.

Swallow, a Republican, contends that as a public official who was acquitted of a crime, he is entitled to be reimbursed for attorney fees and costs. He said because he was "erroneously" prosecuted he had to borrow money to defend himself.

Read more: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900014426/state-asks-court-to-toss-ex-ag-john-swallows-claim-for-dollar15m-in-attorney-fees.html