Smithfield, UT, Councilman Resigns After Defunding Threat

On August 3, 2025, when Stokes’ son collided with a parked car, suffering only a bloody nose. After exchanging insurance information with the vehicle’s owner, the teen returned home. Roughly an hour later, Smithfield police officers were dispatched to the Stokes residence to follow up on the crash after the other driver filed a report.

Body-camera footage shows Stokes questioning the officers’ presence, demanding to know why two had been sent, and criticizing their training and authority. At one point, he phoned City Manager Justin Lewis during the confrontation, vowing, “I promise you I will do everything in my power to make sure these guys are defunded.” Stokes further suggested that the town needed only a handful of officers, not a fully staffed force.

The exchange lasted nearly twenty minutes, during which Stokes repeatedly berated the officers and challenged their professionalism. The footage, later made public, sparked outrage among residents and city leaders alike.

Following the release, Stokes issued a formal apology, acknowledging his behavior as “unprofessional” and admitting he had violated the ethical standards expected of elected officials. “I let my emotions get the best of me,” he said, pledging to rebuild trust with both the community and law enforcement.
Mayor Kris Monson and the rest of the Smithfield City Council swiftly condemned Stokes’ conduct, emphasizing their support for the police department and reaffirming that council members are expected to uphold civility and respect in all interactions.

On September 20, amid mounting pressure, Stokes resigned from the council, leaving a vacancy until December 2027.

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