A Colorado detention deputy was fired and arrested after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a female inmate.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office said it learned of the allegations against Detention Deputy Kevin Lacy on Sept. 25 and immediately launched criminal and administrative investigations.
Lacy was not working after the allegations were reported and was formally placed on paid administrative leave three days later. Following a review of the investigation, Sheriff Tyler Brown terminated Lacy’s employment effective Oct. 6.
The case was also submitted to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which will independently review the evidence and determine whether criminal charges will be formally filed.
The Investigation Begins
The sheriff’s office did not provide details about what Lacy allegedly did to the female inmate.
According to the agency, the inmate was transferred to another jurisdiction to avoid a potential conflict of interest involving her continued detention at the Arapahoe County Detention Facility.
The sheriff’s office said it is withholding additional information to protect the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation and the privacy of those involved.
Deputy Is Fired
Sheriff Brown said the agency takes allegations of misconduct seriously and investigates them when they are brought forward.
“Deputy Lacy’s conduct does not reflect the character, integrity, or professional standards of this agency,” Brown said.
Brown decided to terminate Lacy after reviewing the findings of the administrative investigation.
The sheriff also said maintaining the safety and well-being of people in custody is a responsibility the agency takes seriously.
Charges
Although Lacy was arrested following the investigation, the case has not yet resulted in formally filed criminal charges, according to the sheriff’s office.
A search of jail records for Lacy shows he is listed with a felony charge of **sexual contact in a correctional institution**. The record also lists a total bond of $0. The charge provides additional context about what the sheriff’s office described as inappropriate conduct involving a female inmate.
The investigation was submitted to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for an independent review of the evidence. The DA’s office will decide whether to formally file charges.
The sheriff’s office said it will continue cooperating with the judicial process.
The filing of criminal charges is merely a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime under Colorado law. Lacy is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.