LAYTON, Utah — Mayoral candidate Trevor Lee Foust is facing four misdemeanor charges filed by the City of Layton — the same government he hopes to lead — creating a potential conflict of interest if he wins the November 4 election.

The charges stem from a domestic dispute reported to police on July 9, 2025, during which Foust’s wife alleged that he made a threat in front of their children. No physical violence was reported, and Foust has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Foust’s attorney, Branson K. West, says his client is confident the case will be dismissed. “We don’t anticipate a conviction,” West said. “In fact, we expect all charges to be dismissed.”

A Case That Could Complicate Governance

If elected, Foust would hold oversight authority — along with the city council and city manager — over the Layton Police Department and City Attorney’s Office, both of which are involved in his prosecution.

City Attorney Clinton Drake acknowledged that the situation could create a conflict of interest. “If the charges are not dismissed and Mr. Foust is elected, it certainly could be a conflict,” Drake said, noting that if such a conflict arises, the city would likely request help from a neighboring agency to handle the case.

Foust declined to comment on the allegations or the possible conflict. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 25, several weeks after Election Day.

The Allegations and Evidence

According to a police report, Foust’s wife called 911 to report that her husband had made a threatening statement during an argument. Later, she signed a notarized affidavit recanting parts of her statement, claiming their children did not hear or witness any threatening behavior and that she wanted the charges dismissed.

Foust faces one count of threat of violence and three counts of commission of domestic violence in the presence of children. All four charges are Class B misdemeanors, each carrying a potential penalty of up to six months in jail.

Drake said his office is proceeding based on evidence and legal standards, not political context. “We treat the victim with respect and focus on accountability and safety,” he said. “Our duty is to handle this case like any other domestic violence matter.”

Foust’s Campaign and the Political Context

Foust, who finished second to incumbent Mayor Joy Petro in the August primary, remains on the ballot for the nonpartisan general election. Early voting is already underway across the state.

Petro did not respond to requests for comment about the case or its potential implications for city governance.

Meanwhile, Foust has questioned aspects of the investigation, including an alleged Facebook post by a city attorney’s office employee that he claims showed bias. Drake confirmed that his office reviewed the complaint and determined no misconduct occurred. “The post was made on personal time and didn’t violate any policies,” he said.

City Oversight and Next Steps

Under Layton city law, the mayor sits on the city council but only votes in the event of a tie. Department heads, including the police chief and city attorney, are appointed or removed by the city manager with the advice and consent of the council and mayor.

Lt. Clint Bobrowski of the Layton Police Department said the case was handled according to standard procedure. “Mr. Foust is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” he said in a statement.

If elected while still facing charges, Foust could find himself leading — and potentially negotiating with — the very city departments tasked with prosecuting him, a dynamic that has already sparked local discussion about ethics and governance in Layton’s upcoming mayoral race.