Salt Lake City school board member Mohamed Baayd was charged with attempting to bribe his election opponent to drop out of the race. Despite the third-degree felony charge, Baayd remains in his position as an elected incumbent due to state law.
Salt Lake City school board member Mohamed Baayd was charged Monday with trying to bribe his election opponent to drop out of the race months before Baayd handily won his seat in November.
The Utah attorney general’s office asserts in charging documents that Baayd on Feb. 20 first texted his opponent, Russell Askren, asking to “meet up and talk.” The two agreed to meet at a coffee shop March 7. In the meantime, Baayd told Askren that he felt it was important for Baayd to stay on the school board, charging documents state. He then allegedly asked Askren to “withdraw from the election” so Baayd could be reelected as an unopposed candidate.
Baayd gave Askren until the end to decide, state prosecutors say. On March 10, Baayd sent Askren a text that read: “Following up on our meeting and the offer on the table. What have you decided?” State law does not preclude individuals charged with or convicted of felonies from running for public office, said Salt Lake County Clerk Lannie Chapman.
Salt Lake City School Board Mohamed Baayd Bribery Elections Utah Russell Askren
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Another hefty bill awaits Salt Lake City’s downtown remake: a $1B Salt Palace renovationSalt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson wants to set aside $10.5 million in revenue earmarked for transportation as the county considers funding options to renovate the Salt Palace.
Read more »
Green turf, red tape: Salt Lake City man fights the city to keep his artificial turfA Salt Lake City resident thought he was doing his part to conserve water when he replaced his front lawn with artificial grass. But now the city is telling him the turf must go.
Read more »
Salt Lake City School Board Member Faces Felony Charges for Election Bribery AttemptMohamed Baayd, a current member of the Salt Lake City School Board, has been charged with a felony for allegedly attempting to bribe his fellow candidate Russell Askren to drop out of the election for the Precinct 5 seat. Baayd suggested he would drop out of the Salt Lake City Council race in two years if Askren did the same, aiming to secure his position on the school board.
Read more »
Salt Lake City School Board member facing felony elections bribery chargeAn incumbent Salt Lake City School Board member is facing a felony charge after he allegedly attempted to bribe his opponent so he could keep his position in Pr
Read more »
Residents claim homes shook after fleeing car crashed at Salt Lake City intersectionMya Constantino is a multimedia journalist for FOX 13 News.
Read more »
Salt Lake City launches renter resource center, relocation assistance fundSalt Lake City and the Community Development Corporation of Utah have launched two new programs to provide support to renters.
Read more »