CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

New investigation of McCluskey photos allegations ordered by new chief

May 19, 2020, 11:21 AM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:25 am

McCluskey's settlement...

FILE: Lauren McCluskey, a student-athlete at the University of Utah, was murdered in October 2018. Photo: University of Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The University of Utah police department is ordering a new investigation into allegations of improper police handling of explicit photos of murdered student athlete Lauren McCluskey.

The decision to order an independent review comes from U of U Police Chief Rodney Chatman. He joined the department in February, meaning the initial review was conducted prior to his coming on board.

Lauren’s parents speak out

“The person who was supposed to be providing police services to Lauren, instead, was exploiting her,” said Jill McCluskey, Lauren’s mother. “I wish he had used his time to arrest Lauren’s killer rather than ogling at her image.”

Her father, Matt, says it took a lot of courage for Lauren to share the evidence with the police. Now, he’s left wondering if misconduct is still happening within the campus police department.

 

“The officer’s behavior was not isolated. It stemmed from a culture that did not take women seriously,” he said.

Police Chief Gary Jensen of the Logan Police Department says he was “blindsided” by the allegations, which focus on Miguel Deras. At the time of the McCluskey case, Deras was with University of Utah police, but has since transferred to Logan. Chief Jensen is pleading with the public to allow due process while another internal investigation is conducted.

 

New chief, new investigation

“I know this announcement will come as a disappointment to many in the community,” Chatman said in a statement on Monday. “Statements by the university over the past 24 hours have leaned heavily on the results of the first internal review. However, if my police department is to regain credibility in the eyes of the community it serves this new review must be completed swiftly and with respect for both the students we serve and for Lauren McCluskey and her family.”

The University announced Tuesday that the Utah Department of Public Safety will conduct the internal investigation. Officer Deras is accused of keeping explicit photos of Lauren McCluskey on his personal cell phone.

‘Patently false’

His attorney, J.C. Jensen, says those claims are patently false and that they don’t even tell the full story.

“Law enforcement officers throughout this state use their personal cell phones for work-related matters,” he explained. “Whether it’s signing on and off shifts [or] making calls to and receiving calls from citizens.”

He went on to say the original reporting doesn’t cite specific evidence of malpractice.

“There’s no proof that those photos were saved from his department email to his phone,” said Jensen. 

You can hear the full exclusive conversation that Jensen had with KSL NewsRadio’s Dave and Dujanovic below. 

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Crime, Police + Courts

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

a police car is pictured...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating suspious death, seeks public’s assistance

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police say a body found Sunday morning in downtown is considered to be a suspicious death. Police were called to the area of 536 S. 200 West just after 11 a.m. Once on scene, officers confirmed the individual, who was found in a field, to be deceased. Information […]

11 months ago

The new Utah State Correctional Facility is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 30, 2022. ...

Mark Jones

State Correctional Facility placed on temporary lockdown

The Utah State Correctional Facility was placed on temporary lockdown Saturday following a fight with several inmates.

11 months ago

The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the deaths of two people. Their bodies were f...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating after two bodies found inside an office complex

Salt Lake City police are investigating the discovery of two bodies found Saturday inside an office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive.

11 months ago

Unified police...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Unified Police say a 34-year-old woman died Friday following a hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

New investigation of McCluskey photos allegations ordered by new chief