Executive Summary
- Former deputy Silafia Clyde Brown was sentenced to 90 days in jail for negligent homicide.
- The conviction stems from a 2024 fatal collision with a motorcyclist during an emergency response.
- The judge ordered 150 hours of community service focused on training other officers on safety.
ST. GEORGE, Utah — A former Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy was sentenced Wednesday to 90 days in jail and two years of probation following a conviction for negligent homicide stemming from a 2024 collision that killed a motorcyclist.
The sentencing, presided over by Fifth District Judge Eric Gentry, concludes the legal proceedings against 50-year-old Silafia Clyde Brown. Brown was charged in connection with the November 17, 2024, death of 33-year-old Daniel Jack Monfore. According to court records, Brown was responding to a separate rollover crash on Old Dixie Highway 91 when his patrol vehicle struck Monfore, who was traveling in the opposite direction. Monfore was pronounced dead at the scene.
Brown originally faced a second-degree felony manslaughter charge but pleaded guilty to an amended class A misdemeanor charge of criminal homicide-negligent homicide. During the hearing, Judge Gentry characterized Brown’s actions during the emergency response as “well below the standard” expected of law enforcement, describing the driving behavior as criminally negligent.
During the sentencing phase, Special Prosecutor Shane Klenk recommended a sentence emphasizing education and accountability rather than incarceration. Klenk requested 100 to 200 hours of community service, specifically involving the training of other emergency responders to prevent similar errors. Defense attorney Jacob Fisher argued for a suspended jail sentence and probation, citing his client’s lack of prior criminal history and profound remorse.
The court heard emotional victim impact statements from Monfore’s family. Carol Monfore, the victim’s mother, questioned the safety protocols in place, stating, “Their job was to serve and protect, but who was protecting my son?” Tiffany Monfore, the victim’s wife, told the court that while emergency responses are critical, officers must maintain control of their vehicles, arguing that the deputy “should not have had his eyes off the road while driving at such high speeds.”
Judge Gentry suspended a potential 365-day jail term but ordered Brown to serve 90 days in custody. In addition to jail time and probation, Brown was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service focused on educating other officers about safe emergency response protocols. Brown is required to surrender to custody on a date to be determined by the court.
Judicial Accountability and Safety Standards
This sentencing highlights the stringent legal standards applied to law enforcement officers regarding the duty of care, even when operating under emergency conditions. The decision to impose jail time, despite the prosecution’s recommendation for community service, underscores the judiciary’s intent to enforce accountability for operational negligence that results in loss of life. Furthermore, the court’s mandate for the defendant to participate in future officer training utilizes the case as a procedural precedent, aiming to reinforce safety protocols and mitigate risks associated with high-speed emergency responses.
