Prosecutors are screening potential charges against an ex-Emery County sheriff's deputy in connection with a burglary earlier this month — at his former place of employment.

Clayton Bell had left his job with the sheriff's office on Oct. 1. The burglary allegedly occurred on Oct. 16 at the department's offices in Castle Dale and Bell was arrested the same day, booked into jail on suspicion of burglary and theft. He was released pending further proceedings.

In a statement released Wednesday, the sheriff's office did not detail what was taken or how Bell was identified as a suspect, or under what circumstances he had left his job. The case is under review by the State Bureau of Investigations and is being screened by Emery County Attorney David Blackwell.

Neither Blackwell nor Sheriff Greg Funk immediately returned calls Wednesday seeking more information. Bell's phone number was not listed.

Bob Mims