Former UTA Director Rex Menzies Fights for Swift Trial in High-Stakes Bribery Case Amid Health Woes

SALT LAKE CITY — The legal saga surrounding Rex Menzies, the former executive director of the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), has taken a poignant turn as his attorney files a motion for expedited proceedings. Menzies, now 81 years old and reportedly in declining health, is facing a formidable list of 10 felony counts, including bribery, conspiracy, and misuse of public funds, stemming from allegations of illicit land deals.

Attorney Greg Skordas, representing Menzies, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that his client desires to see the case through to its conclusion while he is still alive.

“He just wants to get this thing resolved,” Skordas conveyed, highlighting the emotional weight of a prolonged legal battle on an elderly individual.

The charges against Menzies date back to 2017, part of a broader investigation into alleged corruption within UTA's land acquisition practices.

The heart of the allegations revolves around a 2010 land deal where UTA purchased property for $12 million. Prosecutors contend that Menzies illicitly received $1 million for his influence in this transaction, despite the property's estimated actual value being significantly lower, around $5 million.

This disparity points to a potential significant misuse of public taxpayer dollars.

This isn't the first time the case has faced procedural hurdles. In 2021, a judge initially dismissed the charges against Menzies, citing an undue delay in bringing the case to trial. However, that dismissal was short-lived.

The Utah Court of Appeals subsequently reversed the decision, reinstating all charges and sending the case back to the lower courts for further action. This legal ping-pong has only contributed to the protracted nature of the proceedings, further exacerbating Menzies' desire for a swift resolution.

The motion for expedited proceedings underscores not only Menzies' personal health concerns but also the broader public interest in seeing justice served in a timely manner.

The case has been a spotlight on the conduct of public officials and the oversight of large public entities like UTA. Menzies is not alone in his predicament; co-defendant Paul Maxfield, a former UTA board member, also faces similar charges and is 77 years old, suggesting that age-related considerations could influence other aspects of this complex legal battle.

As the court considers the motion, the legal community and the public watch closely.

The outcome will not only determine the fate of Rex Menzies but also set a precedent for how the justice system handles prolonged cases involving elderly defendants, especially when substantial public funds and trust are at stake. The call for an expedited trial is a plea for closure, not just for Menzies, but for a community eager for accountability and resolution.