The new chief of the Mantua police department was fired from his previous policing job in West Jordan in November, FOX 13 reports.
Craig Hamer, who was appointed to the Mantua position two weeks ago, received multiple written warnings with the West Jordan Police Department, according to documents obtained by FOX 13.
One warning included arresting someone without probable cause during a traffic stop. Another accused Hamer of mishandling a case that involved the theft of a trailer with the body of a deceased person stored in it.
Although Hamer was terminated in November — after the case involving the trailer — FOX 13 reports, he filed a “voluntary resignation” form in January, which was approved by his former supervisors.
Mantua has a history of upheaval in its police department. Most recently, former chief Michael Castro was fired by former Mayor Michael Johnson. Castro alleges Johnson fired him because Castro didn’t write enough traffic tickets.
Johnson resigned shortly after firing Castro; appointing Hamer was one of his final acts as mayor.
And in 2019, former Police Chief Zane Zilles was dismissed for allegedly driving a police vehicle while intoxicated.
Editor’s note • The Salt Lake Tribune and FOX 13 are content-sharing partners.