Former Davis officer faces felony charge

By Alisha Thompson
News that a Davis Police Officer had been arrested following allegations of alleged sexual assault broke on Friday. The officer, Dale Smith, 25, has been terminated from the Davis Police Department and charged with rape by instrumentation, a felony, on Monday at his in Murray County District Court. Judge Aaron Duck reviewed the probable cause affidavit and set bond at $100,000 with an ankle monitor requirement. Smith has posted bond.
When arrested, according to the Murray County Sheriff’s Office, Smith verified his involvement in the allegations. Assistant District Attorney Jessica Underwood said more charges are expected to be filed in the case next week.
Deputies from the Murray County Sheriff’s office were contacted and met woman who claimed that her ex-boyfriend had repeatedly sexually assaulted her since late October 2020 on April 22. Deputy Brandon Eddy and Deputy Earon Newport spoke with the woman and learned that Smith was an officer with the Davis Police Department.
After interviewing Smith and collecting evidence, deputies obtained a search warrant for certain property belonging to Smith. Deputy Eddy contacted Chief Danny Cooper of the Davis Police Department and informed him of the on-going investigation involving Smith. Chief Cooper assigned a supervisor from the Davis Police Department to assist in the investigation.
Deputy Newport made contact with the Davis Police officer as he arrived for duty. A search warrant was executed on personal property belonging to Smith. Deputies talked to Smith during the investigation. After the interviews were conducted and the evidence had been collected, Deputy Newport and Deputy Eddy disarmed and arrested the Davis Police Officer. Smith was arrested at the Davis Police Department and then transported to the Murray County Jail.
This investigation is on-going and will be conducted with the assistance of the Davis Police Department.