Garfield County deputy terminated

GCSO PRESS RELEASE
November 8, 2024

On 10/23/2024, Corporal Trisha Worley, a 14-year member of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, was placed on administrative Leave with pay, based on allegations of embezzlement of funds from a local nonprofit organization. On November 7, 2024, as a result of an Internal Affairs administrative investigation, Worley was terminated from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.

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

As the sheriff, I firmly believe that law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard by the people we serve. If we cannot police ourselves, how can the community have confidence in our ability to police them? As such, I expect and support a rigorous and thorough criminal investigation. However, it is equally important to remember that everyone in this country has constitutional rights, regardless of their profession and are innocent until proven guilty.

This case is in the early stages. I will however, be as transparent as possible as the case develops while respecting the investigation, judicial system and the rights of those accused.

Lou Vallario
Garfield County Sheriff