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Former Utah chief deputy attorney general put on paid administrative leave

Posted at 9:11 PM, Apr 09, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-09 23:11:19-04

SALT LAKE CITY – A search warrant relating to the investigation into former Utah Attorney General John Swallow names one of those who served with Swallow.

A search warrant obtained by FOX 13 News Wednesday shows Kirk Torgensen allegedly told a police informant he had text messages between himself and former Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff that were “Insurance.”

The warrant was sought by Sim Gill, Salt Lake County District Attorney. The Davis County Attorney, Troy Rawlings, is jointly conducting an investigation with Gill and his office. Shurtleff has also been named during the investigation.

Torgensen was placed on paid administrative leave, officials with the Utah Attorney General’s Office said Wednesday. They did not provide further detail.

Their statement said in part: “Mr. Torgensen was placed on paid administrative leave today pending further internal investigations. We will not comment further at this time on such investigations or any other external investigations that may be proceeding.”

Torgensen was Utah’s former chief deputy attorney general and has worked for that office since 1990.