SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – Two former Utah attorneys general have made their first appearance as criminal defendants, vowing to beat a slew of bribery charges and other counts.
Mark Shurtleff and John Swallow appeared together for less than five minutes Wednesday in front a state judge in Salt Lake City.
Between the two, Shurtleff and John Swallow spent nearly 13 years running Utah’s top law enforcement office. They have not yet entered pleas but told reporters Wednesday they’re looking forward to proving their innocence.
Both men face numerous charges that prosecutors say stem from cozy relationships with businessmen who offered gold coins, luxury vacations and use of a private jet, among other allegations.
Legal experts say the case could take years to resolve.