Colorado lawmaker faces charges of embezzlement from nonprofit organizations

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – A western Colorado county has cut ties with a longtime lawmaker amid allegations she embezzled funds from a nonprofit organization.

The Garfield County Sheriff's Office announced late last week that former Cpl. Trisha Worley was under criminal investigation.

“As sheriff, I firmly believe that the people we serve hold law enforcement officers to a higher standard. “If we cannot police ourselves, how can the community have confidence in our ability to police them?” Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario wrote in a Nov. 8 statement.

According to the sheriff's office, Worley – a 14-year veteran of the Garfield County Sheriff's Office – was accused of accepting funds from an unnamed local nonprofit and was placed on administrative leave on Oct. 23 while an internal administrative investigation took place. Based on the results of this investigation, she was terminated by the Sheriff's Office on November 7th.

“The criminal investigation is being led by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to avoid conflicts of interest within the GCSO. They will publish all information related to the criminal case if the investigation allows it,” Vallario said.

Regarding this criminal investigation, Vallario said it had his full support. He reminded the public that Worley was still innocent until proven otherwise.

“I expect and support a rigorous and thorough criminal investigation. However, it is equally important to remember that everyone in this country, regardless of their profession, has constitutional rights and is innocent until proven guilty,” he said.

No further details about the allegations or the results of the internal investigation were released.

“This case is in its early stages. However, I will be as transparent as possible as the case progresses, while respecting the investigation, the justice system and the rights of the defendants,” the statement concluded.

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