Utah
Utah trooper jailed, suspected of inappropriate touching
RICHFIELD, Utah — A Utah Highway Patrol Trooper has been arrested for allegedly assaulting his daughter’s friend while off duty.
Bronson Wood, age 46, was booked into the Sevier County Jail. He is suspected of felony sexual assault, and contributing to a minor.
Richfield police said that on March 18, 2023, Wood inappropriately touched a 19-year-old woman without her consent after he gave her alcohol.
According to police documents, this happened at Wood’s home, when the woman was visiting Bronson’s daughter and two other people.
Police who interviewed the woman said she was initially hesitant to report the incident because of the suspect’s position as aUtah trooper. She told investigators she didn’t think she’d be believed.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said they learned of the incident on March 19th, 2024. Wood was placed on administrative leave as an outside agency investigated the incident.
The DPS said they have “begun internal processes to formally address this matter.”