The Salt Lake City Police Department's Bike Squad recently took into custody a man suspected of distributing drugs in Library Square, as detailed in a report released by the department. The investigation, which was initiated on Friday, centered around a proactive patrol when officers observed what appeared to be a drug deal at approximately 4:44 p.m. According to SLCPD, two men were spotted making a cash-for-drugs exchange, involving a small blue baggie.
Following the suspected transaction, the individuals parted ways, with police intercepting the buyer who purportedly confessed to purchasing drugs for $40, afterwards police apprehended 53-year-old Leroy Grimes, identifying him as the seller, during the encounter police found Grimes in possession of what tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine along with various drug paraphernalia. Grimes, who has a rap sheet of prior drug-related offenses, was escorted to the Salt Lake County Metro Jail, his charges span felony distribution of a controlled substance plus unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, with the police department's press release emphasizing the preliminary nature of this information and assuring that charges are merely accusations.
The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of the American legal system, as emphasized by the SLCPD, assuring the public that despite the charges, "every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." In line with Utah Code 17-22-30, the SLCPD also does not provide jail booking photos, which can only be divulged by the record's custodian post-conviction or if the individual is deemed a fugitive or a significant public threat.
