SALT LAKE CITY—Scott R. Womack, age 36, of Brigham City, has been charged in an eight-count misdemeanor information with deprivation of rights in connection with conduct alleged to have taken place during 2010 while he was a Box Elder County Deputy Sheriff.

The charges, which follow an investigation by the FBI, allege Womack used his position as a law enforcement officer to deprive eight women of their constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches. The charges allege Womack required the victims to expose parts of their bodies without a legitimate law enforcement purpose. Under federal law, the counts are charged as deprivation of rights under color of law.

The potential penalty for each count is up to one year in federal prison.

Womack self-surrendered this morning. He is scheduled to make an appearance in federal court Wednesday at noon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Alba.

An information is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged in an information are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.

Anyone who has information about the crimes alleged in the information or anyone who believes they may have been a victim of similar conduct in the case can contact the FBI in Salt Lake City at 801-579-1400.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation