Former Ogden Police Chief Defends Backing Ex-Officer in Sex Misconduct Case

Randy Watt says he took responsibility for inadequate department policies that led to child pornography being stored at the officer's home.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:08am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a computer hard drive or storage device, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the gritty investigation into a former police officer's alleged crimes.A stark, investigative image of a key piece of evidence in a case involving a former police officer accused of child pornography offenses.Ogden Today

A former Ogden police chief, Randy Watt, is defending his involvement in testifying on behalf of a former officer, Colten Johansen, who pleaded guilty to charges related to child pornography. Watt says the presence of the material at Johansen's home was the result of inadequate Ogden Police Department policy, which he took responsibility for as a former assistant chief.

Why it matters

The case has sparked controversy, with the current Ogden police chief criticizing Watt's role in the matter and the lenient sentence Johansen received. This highlights ongoing tensions around how law enforcement handles cases involving officers accused of sexual misconduct.

The details

Johansen, a former Ogden officer, pleaded guilty late last year to two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor for viewing or possessing child pornography and a count of forcible sexual abuse. Watt, who served as Ogden police chief from 2017 through 2020, testified on Johansen's behalf at the sentencing hearing, saying the presence of the material at Johansen's home was the result of inadequate department policy during Watt's time as assistant chief.

  • In 2003, Johansen agreed to take on a voluntary role with a Weber County Sheriff's Office task force called Internet Crimes Against Children.
  • Watt served as assistant police chief during the period when the child sexual-abuse material was stored at Johansen's home.
  • Johansen pleaded guilty to the charges in late 2025.
  • Johansen was sentenced on February 28, 2026.
  • Current Ogden Police Chief Jake Sube issued a statement criticizing Watt's involvement on March 26, 2026.

The players

Randy Watt

A former Ogden police chief who served in various roles in the department, including chief from 2017 to 2020. He testified on behalf of Colten Johansen at the former officer's sentencing hearing.

Colten Johansen

A former Ogden police officer who pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of forcible sexual abuse.

Jake Sube

The current Ogden police chief who issued a statement criticizing Watt's involvement in the Johansen case and the lenient sentence Johansen received.

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What they’re saying

“I am empathetic to feelings, but all he had to do was ask why I had spoken at officer Johansen's sentencing. If he had, he would have learned the truth.”

— Randy Watt, Former Ogden Police Chief

What’s next

The judge's decision on whether to allow Johansen to remain out on bail is expected on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in handling allegations of misconduct by its own officers, particularly when it involves sensitive crimes like those related to child pornography. It also raises questions about accountability and transparency within police departments.