The former police chief of eastern Utah's tiny town of Myton — who is charged with stalking three women — has waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Thomas Butterfield, 54, waived his right to the evidence hearing on Monday in Duchesne's 8th District Court.
He will appear in court again on Feb. 23, at which time a trial date could be set.
Butterfield was charged in September with three counts of stalking, involving three different women; one count of criminal trespass and one count of unlawful detention — all misdemeanors.
Court records lack specific allegations involved with the stalking claims, except that the alleged offenses occurred between June and September.
Myton city officials confirmed last month they would begin the search for a new police chief for the town, which has a population of 54.
City attorney Amy Hugie has said Butterfield, who was hired in July, was terminated at an Oct. 30 meeting with Mayor Kathleen Cooper.
Hugie has said she could not, under personnel policy, discuss the reason for Butterfield's firing.
Sgt. Tim Mellor, who had been the town's part-time, reserve police officer, was appointed interim chief. Hugie has said that one other reserve officer serves Myton public safety needs.
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