Cop charged with murder

A Green River Police officer was placed on administrative leave, after he was indicted for a first-degree murder charge.

Last Wednesday, Feb. 3, Jacob Anglesey, 34, appeared in the Third District Court of Judge Nena James in front of a grand jury. The jury convened to determine whether or not there was enough probable cause to charge Anglesey for first-degree murder, which stemmed from the 2009 death of Konnor Allen, a 2-year-old boy. Allen was the son of Phylicia Rasdall and Corry Allen.

"He has been placed on leave at this time," Luke Benson, GRPD detective and public relations officer, said.

As of last Tuesday, Feb. 2, officer Anglesey was still an active police officer, Benson said.

As for how long Anglesey would be on leave or whether or not it was paid leave, Benson would not comment on the matter.

"The nature involves personnel matters," Benson said. "We have some obligations as far as confidentiality."

In an article titled "Child's death under investigation," in The Green River Star's March 18, 2009, edition, "The male child, Allen, had suffered a head injury and was transported by ambulance to the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County; and subsequently Life Flighted to Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City. Allen died from the injury. An autopsy was conducted by the Utah Medical Examiner's Office."

The article also states, the person reporting accident was an off-duty police officer, who was at the residence at the time of Allen's injury. He reported the injury happened due to a fall.

According to information released by the Sweetwater County Attorney's Office, after the incident, the Sweetwater County Attorney's Office was notified and they contacted the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation to conduct an investigation. DCI presented its initial findings to a special prosecutor, requested by then Sweetwater County Attorney Brett Johnson, and appointed by the Sweetwater County Commissioners on March 12, 2009. After reviewing the investigation, the appointed special prosecutor declined to initiate charges, but the case remained open with DCI.

In 2015, DCI agents presented their findings and expert reports to Sweetwater County Attorney Daniel Erramouspe, the release states. The investigation presented alleged inconsistent statements from Anglesey as to the cause of Allen's injuries, and the medical exam report. Also included were medical reports citing the injuries to Allen were caused by non-accidental trauma.

"In this incident, it was independently investigated and we have to let the case run through the judicial system as any other case would," Benson said.

On Friday, Angelsey appeared in the Third District Court of Judge Richard Lavery for a bond hearing. The bond will remain at $1 million cash or surety.

An arraignment will take place later this week.

Anglesey was best known as the police department's K-9 handler, however, another officer assumed that position. Benson could not recall when the other officer took over, but it was at least a year.

"We're still out there and on patrol, and serving the city of Green River," Benson said.