Former Utah Highway Patrol trooper charged with child sexual abuse

SAN JUAN COUNTY, Utah – A former Utah Highway Patrol trooper is facing charges of child sexual abuse after an investigation. A Highway Patrol statement says Bryan Adams is on administrative leave after the agency received complaints of possible criminal misconduct. Adams resigned from the Highway Patrol on April 11th. He had served as a trooper since 2012.

According to charging documents filed in 7th District Court in San Juan County, Adams faces two felony counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, two felony counts of forcible sexual abuse and two misdemeanor charges of lewdness involving a child. The case was investigated by the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and the charges were filed by the Utah County Attorney.

The state Department of Public Safety Office of Professional Standards is continuing an internal investigation. They will be looking at violations of policy as well as the criminal charges. Peace Officer Standards and Training will receive the results of the investigation.

The Highway Patrol statement goes on to say, “The mission of the Utah Highway Patrol can only be accomplished by maintaining the public trust and confidence of those we serve. Criminal charges of this nature are extremely serious and do not represent the standards we strive to attain or the values we hold at UHP.”