Salt Lake Olympic Organizing Committee officials aren't saying much about an investigation into allegations that SLOC chief Tom Welch assaulted his wife during an argument last week. But they are watching the situation from a distance.
"It is a personal matter between them, and hopefully they can resolve their circumstances in their own private way," said committee member Ken Bullock."We don't comment on matters of a personal nature like that involving employees," SLOC spokesman Mike Korologos said Wednesday.
Bullock said SLOC committee members do not know much about the alleged assault, and he refused to speculate on what effect the case would have on Welch's future with the organization.
"We have to get all the facts first. The last thing anyone wants to do is jump to conclusions," Bullock said.
Nolan Karras, Gov. Mike Leavitt's representative on the board and its executive committee, told KSL, "Because it is important that the Olympics be above reproach, (this) is a potential issue. But, at this point, it is an event between (the two of them)."
Salt Lake police were called to the home of Tom and Alma Welch July 9 by the couple's 11-year-old son. When police arrived, Alma Welch told them the couple had been arguing about the fact that Tom Welch had acknowledged having an affair.
Tom Welch serves at the "will and pleasure" of the committee, and he could be fired by a majority vote at any time for any reason. One reason could be if he could not fulfill his SLOC responsibilities because of legal problems. Olympic officials said that possibility has not even been discussed.
Tom Welch is elephant hunting in Africa with one of his sons and was unavailable for comment.
According to the police report, Alma Welch said the incident began when her husband went to the garage and began putting "gifts and letters" into the trunk of his car. Later, wearing only a towel, she confronted him in the garage. When she tried to look in another car for the gifts and letters, she said Tom Welch "physically restrained her," a police report said.
Alma Welch told police that during the struggle she was thrown against the west wall of the garage, receiving a bruise on her right arm. She said her husband put her in a "headlock, full nelson," and pushed her to the ground, according to the police report.
Tom Welch told police a different story, although the impetus for the fight was the same in both versions. Tom Welch said he was in the garage trying to hide items in his car to prevent his wife from "getting to them."
He said he sat on the trunk of his car to keep his wife from opening it but denied any physical confrontation.
"Tom added that at no time did he assault Alma, adding that she also did not struggle with him," the police report said.
Both Tom and Alma Welch acknowledge their 11-year-old son summoned police. Alma Welch said he saw them struggling in the garage and asked if he should call police. He was told to do so, according to the report.
But Tom Welch said his son only heard the argument and called police on his own.
On the night of the incident Alma Welch told police "she didn't want Tom charged with assault and was going to talk to her own lawyer."
City prosecutor Cheryl Luke said she was knew about the case but hasn't seen it. The decision about whether to review it for criminal charges will be up to police. It will, however, be up to Luke's office to decide if any charges will be filed.
The case is expected to be reviewed by city prosecutors Monday or Tuesday. The Deseret News knew of the complaint Wednesday but chose not to print the story at that time because charges had not been filed.
Salt Lake police Sgt. Dana Orgill confirmed they were investigating the incident but declined to give any details. He said the case will go to city prosecutors as early as next week. At that time, prosecutors and officers look at the facts of the case and determine whether there is probable cause to press criminal charges.
Alma Welch could not be reached for comment Friday.
"I don't think there'll be any comment made on it other than it's a personal matter," the couple's eldest daughter, Missy Welch Curtis, said.
Two years ago, the couple told the Deseret News in separate interviews they were having marital difficulties. They blamed their problems on the time spent apart during the decade-long pursuit of the Olympics.
Alma Welch described her husband in 1995 as "a wonderful provider" but said "marriage and family is more than just providing things. We've missed Tom around here."
She said then she looked forward to a time when her husband would have more time for her and their six children. The Welchs are expecting their first grandchild this summer.
Since those interviews, given just before Salt Lake City was selected to host the 2002 Winter Games, the couple has said they had reconciled. Tom Welch, who had been living in a Park City condominium, moved back into the family home.