Sheriff’s deputy fired, arrested for sexual misconduct

HURRICANE – A former corrections deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was arrested and charged with sexual misconduct, according to a statement released today by Detective Nate Abbott with the Washington County Sheriff’s office.

Stephen Garrett Thayer, a former corrections deputy with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, was arrested  Oct. 15 on 8 counts of sexual misconduct. Purgatory Correctional Facility, Hurricane, UT | Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriff's Office
Stephen Garrett Thayer, a former corrections deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested Oct. 15 on 8 counts of sexual misconduct. Purgatory Correctional Facility, Hurricane, UT | Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriff’s Office

Steven Garrett Thayer was charged with eight counts of sexual misconduct. Seven of the counts are listed as class-A misdemeanors and one is listed as a third-degree felony. The specific charges that Thayer faces indicate that the alleged offenses may involve sexual activity with an inmate.

Abbott said he was not able to comment on the details or circumstances of the case in light of the ongoing investigation. He said that the investigation is being conducted externally by the St. George Police Department.

Thayer was fired from his job on Oct. 9, Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jake Schultz said, although his dismissal wasn’t officially announced until today.

“We feel very badly when our employee breaks the public trust,” Abbott said. “In this case we have taken decisive action. I can say that at this time, Mr. Thayer is no longer an employee of Washington County.”

Thayer has been booked and released from Purgatory Correctional Facility after posting $17,950 bail.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @mflynnSTGN

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.

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10 Comments

  • ladybugavenger October 15, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    a different news source reported that a friend of Thayer defended him by saying the inmate has falsely accused him. It’s possible but I am not buying it. Just because the person is in custody does not mean that person can’t be a victim.

    • Bob Butcher October 18, 2013 at 8:10 pm

      Was the victim in this case a man or woman? Too bad you could not leave a link to the other news source, that is what it all about, sources.

  • Cheryl October 16, 2013 at 6:48 am

    What a shame!!!! To bad this young man had to get caught up in this and ruin his life. Lets hope he is being falsely accused and the truth will come out, if that’s the case!!!

  • Rich October 17, 2013 at 1:48 pm

    Wow doesn’t surprise me… He was one of the worst deputies at the jail.. He was on a power trip and was a complete *…* to people even if they tried showing him respect I hate to say it but it’s carma…
    Ed. ellipsis *…*

    • Aaron Tippetts October 21, 2013 at 3:27 pm

      I can definetly confirm that. Hes very disrepectful to inmates when he walks through to do count. My guess though is that he is wrongfully accused ..but oh well.

  • jim October 18, 2013 at 12:38 am

    Mr Thayer is the end result of a failed attempt from the County trying to attract and retain quality employees. He is the worst of the worst, betraying public trust and taking advantage of those he swore to protect. Yes, even the bad guys.

  • Festus October 19, 2013 at 3:15 am

    That must have been an awkward booking haha… Also he should visit his doctor to get everything checked out cause the people on bookings aren’t the cleanest!!! God bless merica!

  • Truth October 19, 2013 at 3:16 am

    Ewwwwwwww

  • camanawana March 29, 2014 at 5:31 pm

    Just another piece … in our local law enforcement. Get used to it people, it isn’t going to get better.
    Ed. ellipsis.

  • camanawana March 29, 2014 at 5:32 pm

    Just another piece of human garbage in our local law enforcement. Get used to it people, it isn’t going to get better.

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