Former Utah Representative Trevor Lee arraigned on felony fraud and forgery charges

Ex-Utah state rep Trevor Lee appeared in court on fraud and forgery charges linked to a $1M home loan. A follow-up hearing is set for 23 November.

Former Utah Rep. Trevor Lee enters court on felony fraud charges

Former Utah state representative Trevor Lee made his first court appearance on felony fraud and forgery charges, kutv.com reports. Lee, 35, was accompanied by his attorney, Kathryn Nester, and formally acknowledged the charges against him, waiving an official reading of the indictment.

The court scheduled a follow-up hearing for 23 November before the judge who will preside over the case. Lee was released on his own recognizance.

Prosecutors allege Lee submitted false employment and income details to secure a $1 million home loan. He reportedly claimed to earn $168,000 at a company called Enevive and forged the signature of the firm's CEO on an employment contract. Tax records, however, indicated his actual earnings were approximately $55,000.

Lee was formally charged in September and was directed to present himself at the Salt Lake County Jail for booking before being released.

Following the filing of charges, Lee resigned from House District 16, where he had represented the Layton area since January 2023. In a statement, he said personal circumstances required his attention and that he no longer felt able to give constituents the "time, attention, and service they deserve."

"I will always be grateful for the people I have met, the relationships I have built, and the opportunity I have had to serve the people of Utah," Lee said.

Earlier this year, Lee had already lost his primary bid for re-election to fellow Republican Bob Stevenson, who now faces Democratic candidate Abigail Treasure in the November midterm elections.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)