Findings released following independent investigation into commissioner’s conduct
May 27, 2026 03:54PM ● By Becky Ginos
Commissioner Bob Stevenson (far left) and Commission Chair John Crofts (far right) honor the Sheriff’s Office at a recent commission meeting. Crofts took office in January 2025. Photo by Becky Ginos
FARMINGTON—A five month independent investigation into Commission Chair John Crofts’ conduct found several areas of concern. In a report received through a GRAMA request by the Davis Journal on May 27, attorney Kristin A. VanOrman with the firm of Strong & Hanni gave her findings and recommendations to Chief Civil Deputy Davis County Attorney Neal Geddes and Davis County Attorney Troy Rawlings.
VanOrman said she started the investigation in November 2025. “Twenty-six individuals who are both current and former Davis County employees as well as former coworkers of Commissioner Crofts who have not worked for Davis County were interviewed.” VanOrman also interviewed Commissioner Crofts.
The investigation began after several concerns were raised by current and former employees of Davis County, VanOrman said in the report. “Because of the potential liability for both Davis County and Commissioner Crofts, I was asked to conduct an independent investigation regarding such concerns.”
After meeting with the 26 individuals, VanOrman said the concerns that are detailed in the report “were shared by nearly every individual who was interviewed.”
Areas of concern she identified throughout the investigation were categorized in the report into the following topics:
- Hostile work environment
- Political Favoritism
- Religion
- Defamation
- LGBTQ Discrimination
- Fitness for Duty
VanOrman said in the report that her investigation found that “since being sworn into office in January 2025, his executive assistant resigned, his office manager left and the animal care director also quit her employment at Davis County. While these resignations are not solely based on Commissioner Crofts, it became clear during the investigation that interactions with him played a significant part in their decisions.”
The report also gave examples of Commissioner Crofts’ behavior not only toward employees but elected officials Davis County Clerk Brian McKenzie and former Davis County Controller Curtis Koch.
VanOrman said nearly all the witnesses expressed concerns over Commissioner Crofts’ political favoritism and discrimination. “Many employees indicated that one of the first things they were asked when meeting with Commissioner Crofts was who they voted for in the election or if they were a delegate. He would warn employees upon meeting them to ‘be careful who they align themselves with’ at the county.”
Perhaps the most concerning claims VanOrman said she investigated were those of defamation. “In my opinion, it is these claims that bring the greatest potential for liability both to Davis County and personally to Commissioner Crofts.”
VanOrman said some of the more egregious and legally defamatory statements include:
- Stating in social media that certain elected and appointed leaders have not been transparent and are hiding things from voters.
- Accusing the Davis County Clerk’s office of inappropriate and illegal actions.
- Spreading a rumor that (Commissioner) Lorene Kamalu was having an affair with a lobbyist.
- Accusing Lorene Kamalu and others of lying.
“When confronted with these allegations, Commissioner Crofts denied making any of the statements,” said VanOrman. “However, due to the number of individuals indicating that they directly heard Commissioner Crofts making such statements, the validity of his denials cause me concern.”
In response to the investigation, Commission Crofts defended his record in a statement:
"I have serious concerns about a frivolous and costly investigation paid for with taxpayer dollars.
I defend my record – I believe we are seeing a bit of dirty politics here. I'm being targeted by Davis County political opponents for my “Voters First” stance and cost-cutting efforts countywide.
The interviews with disgruntled employees resulted in finding zero illegal activity.
I’ve consulted with my own personal attorney to review the claims. I am proud to reveal the investigation exonerates me.
The report is riddled with inaccuracies, exaggerations, omissions, and claims that are plainly untrue. Some of the allegations are so preposterous that they would be humorous if this entire process had not consumed substantial taxpayer resources and distracted county government from serving the public.
I understand change is very challenging for most people. I will continue to lead with hard work, kindness, and empathy in the workplace, and any employee who has concerns about my work, ethics, or behavior is welcome to communicate with me directly; my office door is always open. The people interviewed represent less than 2% of Davis County’s elected leaders and staff.
Will I take a workplace training? Absolutely! I am a strong proponent of ongoing professional development and am always studying trends, lessons learned, and leadership best practices.
Now that this attempt to distract voters with an “investigation” has occurred, let’s get on with the important work of the county for our residents."
VanOrman said in her conclusion “from the sheer number of consistency of complaints of current and former employees at Davis County, I have significant concerns regarding the potential liability for both the county and for Commissioner Crofts personally. So many of the allegations cross the boundaries of acceptable conduct and could be considered actionable in a court of law.”
Although Commissioner Crofts denies most of his conduct, “he demonstrated a clear willingness to change,” the report said. “I did not find that there was any malice in Mr. Crofts’ actions. I believe that he genuinely does not realize that he is doing anything wrong. While that is concerning, it also gives me hope that positive changes will be made.”
The commission is expected to address the investigation and any possible action at the June 2 meeting, at 10 a.m. in the Davis County Administration Building located at 61 S. Main Street in Farmington.
