Top Republican leaders in Utah are initiating an independent inquiry into allegations concerning Justice Diana Hagen of the state Supreme Court after an earlier review did not yield satisfactory results. Governor Spencer Cox, Senate President Stuart Adams, and House Speaker Mike Schultz announced on Thursday that they are launching this investigation following claims of an improper relationship involving Hagen and an attorney who had previously argued cases before the court.
The allegations emerged from a complaint filed in late 2022 with Chief Justice Matthew Durrant and the state’s Judicial Conduct Commission. Documents reviewed by KSL reveal that a Provo-based attorney, Michael Worley, submitted the complaint, claiming that Hagen’s ex-husband disclosed to him that Hagen had exchanged “inappropriate” text messages with attorney David Reymann. Reymann played a significant role in a major redistricting case that influenced Utah’s congressional map.
Both Justice Hagen and attorney Reymann have strongly denied any wrongdoing. Justice Hagen has categorically rejected the claims, while Reymann has labeled the accusations as “false.” The Judicial Conduct Commission initially carried out a preliminary review, which included interviewing Hagen’s ex-husband. However, they ultimately decided not to pursue a full-fledged investigation into the matter.
Concerns Among State Leadership
The findings of the Judicial Conduct Commission did not sit well with state government leaders. In a joint statement, Governor Cox, President Adams, and Speaker Schultz remarked, “An initial review by the Judicial Conduct Commission and the court left important questions unresolved. Allegations of this nature, especially involving public officials, must be examined with transparency and accountability to establish the facts and to maintain public confidence.” They expressed their commitment to conducting an independent investigation that is both objective and comprehensive.
These allegations are linked to Tobin Hagen, the justice’s ex-husband, who suggested that the relationship with Reymann may have developed during a critical lawsuit concerning the congressional maps of Utah. He purportedly informed another attorney that the messages began in a light-hearted manner before evolving into something more suggestive.
Legal Context of the Allegations
The case in question, League of Women Voters of Utah v. Utah State Legislature, has been one of the most scrutinized legal matters in the state, especially regarding its implications for fair redistricting practices. In July 2024, the Utah Supreme Court unanimously concluded that state lawmakers overstepped their authority by modifying Proposition 4, an anti-gerrymandering measure that voters had previously approved.
Following this ruling, the legal battles continued. In the latter part of 2024, plaintiffs initiated another challenge against Amendment D, a legislative attempt that sought to empower lawmakers to overturn ballot initiatives. Justice Hagen authored the majority opinion that upheld a lower court’s decision to reject this amendment.
The complaint that has brought Justice Hagen under scrutiny was lodged in December 2025 by Michael Worley, who indicated that he felt compelled to report the information he received from Tobin Hagen via Facebook. Although Tobin Hagen reportedly did not wish for the complaint to be filed, documents indicate that he “acknowledged its accuracy.”
The unfolding developments of this investigation may have significant implications for public trust and the integrity of the Utah judicial system as leaders commit to addressing the allegations thoroughly.