Getting arrested for driving under the influence is already a pretty serious problem. When your job involves enforcing the same laws you’re accused of breaking, though, your employer might have a few additional concerns.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado says former Deputy David Smith, 41, was charged following an off-duty encounter with Colorado Springs police on July 21. The charges included Driving Under the Influence, Careless Driving, Accident Driving Under the Influence, and Prohibited Use of Weapons.
Smith had worked for the Sheriff’s Office for only two years, since September 2024, and was assigned to the Detention Security Division. Following notification of the charges, the department initially placed him on administrative leave in accordance with its policy.
That administrative response didn’t stop there. Less than a month after the alleged DUI incident, Smith was officially discharged from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
Off-Duty Deputy Faces DUI and Weapons Charges
According to the Sheriff’s Office, officers with the Colorado Springs Police Department contacted Smith while he was off duty on July 21. Exactly what led up to that encounter hasn’t been detailed by the Sheriff’s Office.
Smith was subsequently charged with DUI and Careless Driving, along with Accident Driving Under the Influence and Prohibited Use of Weapons. The department hasn’t provided additional information explaining the circumstances behind the alleged accident or the weapons charge.
Since Colorado Springs Police are handling the criminal investigation, the Sheriff’s Office directed questions concerning the underlying case to that department. It also said it wouldn’t provide further comments on the active investigation itself.
Instead, the Sheriff’s Office promised to update the public on developments concerning Smith’s employment. It ultimately didn’t take very long for one of those updates to arrive.
Sheriff’s Office Fires Smith Less Than a Month Later
On August 3, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office served Smith with a Notice of Intent to Terminate Employment. Nine days later, on August 12, he was officially discharged from his position.
The department subsequently submitted required notifications regarding the employment action to the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board on August 14. Under Colorado regulations, law enforcement agencies are required to report certain employment actions involving peace officers to POST.
Sheriff Joseph Roybal also released a statement emphasizing the level of responsibility that comes with being a peace officer. He said that authority comes with an “equally great obligation” to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
“Our community deserves nothing less,” Roybal said. He added that when a deputy fails to uphold those standards, he will take appropriate action to ensure accountability and maintain the public’s trust.
Criminal Case Remains Under Investigation
Smith’s termination settles the employment side of the situation, but it doesn’t resolve the criminal case against him. The Sheriff’s Office has said the investigation remains active and has deferred questions to the Colorado Springs Police.
The department’s updates also don’t provide further details on the alleged conduct that led to each charge. For now, what has been publicly disclosed is that Smith was off duty when he was contacted and subsequently charged.
Smith had been with the Sheriff’s Office for less than two years before his discharge. He went from being placed on administrative leave on July 21 to receiving notice of the department’s intent to terminate him on August 3.
By August 12, his employment was over. The charges against Smith remain allegations, and the information provided by the Sheriff’s Office does not indicate that the criminal case has reached a final resolution.