12+ years ago when I lived in South Salt Lake Beau was in the department and I liked the guy. He had the respect of the other employees there not because he was "he mean boss" but because he "was one of them". Or at least that is the opinion than I got from him and from talking with the deputies.
What sucks is that no matter what happens in the courts at this time, innocent or guilty this will tank his career. It sounds like he has already stood up and said "I did it" I will pay it back. What else does a prosecutor need to hear? Getting fired should be on the table, getting repremanded, punished, etc should all be on the table, but the punishment should fit the crime.
There is such a two faced approach with government officials. Take his petty $50 crime where his life will be ruined because of it and compare it with Grantsville Police Chief Dan Johnson who got a slap on the wrist for poaching.
Both Beau and Johnson screwed up, both got caught, and both quickly admitted their guilt and are willing to take what is due to them. Beau will get strung out for life because of this, if this was you or I we would get a slap on the wrist and a ticket, and maybe a chat with a judge. In contrast Johnson got a slap on the wrist and off easy. You and I would have had our firearms and vehicles confiscated plus lost hunting rights, ticket, animal restitution, etc. Johnson got off easy, Beau gets the crack down.
It is my opinion that Sim Gill is a weenie for prosecuting this the way he has. I am sure this is his own personal agenda against a Republican who he did not get along with. I agree it should be prosecuted, but there are better ways to work with people.
link to the Johnson story for those that are not aware
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/...ice-Chief-Dan-Johnson-guilty-of-poaching.html
