Garfield County Sheriff’s office corporal terminated as embezzlement investigation continues

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release that Corporal Trisha Worley, member of the Sheriff’s Office for 14 years, was terminated on Thursday. 

Worley was placed on administrative leave with pay on Oct. 23 based on allegations of embezzlement of funds from a local nonprofit organization. After an investigation from Internal Affairs, he was terminated. 

The criminal investigation is being led by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to avoid any conflict of interest within the GCSO, and they will release any information pertaining to the criminal case as the investigation allows.

Sheriff Lou Vallario stated in the release that he believes that law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard by the people they serve. If they, as police officers, cannot police themselves, how can the community have confidence in their ability to police? he asks. 

Vallario maintains that everyone has constitutional rights regardless of their profession and are innocent until proven guilty. 

While the case is still in early stages, he stated he will be as transparent as possible as it develops while respecting the investigation, judicial system and the rights of those accused.