A corruption trial for a former top state lawman set in what prosecutors call an arena of posh resorts, gold coins and questionable businessmen is expected to open nearly four years after his stunning fall from grace.
Ex-Utah Attorney General John Swallow will face 13 counts including bribery and evidence tampering during the trial beginning with opening arguments Wednesday and slated to last nearly a month.
Investigators said he and predecessor Mark Shurtleff hung a virtual "for sale" sign on the door to Utah's top law enforcement office, taking campaign donations and gifts such as beach vacations from fraudsters and businessmen in trouble with regulators in exchange for favorable treatment during investigations.
Swallow's attorney says there was no scheme to break laws and the charges are politically motivated. The charges against Shurtleff have been dismissed.