A former Grand County Sheriff’s deputy is being investigated on suspicion of committing insurance-related fraud, according to a statement released by the Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, June 18.

Information about the suspected fraud first came to the attention of Grand County Human Resources staff on June 9. The allegations focus on the county’s employee and dependent health insurance benefits. The suspected fraud reportedly occurred from November 2013 to January 2015.

Sheriff’s Office administration, county management and attorneys, Human Resources staff, and the county commissioners took immediate action on the allegations. At the request of the county commissioners, a criminal investigation has been initiated.

Since the case involves a former deputy of his agency, Sheriff Brett Schroetlin has turned this case over to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation.

“As law enforcement officers and public officials we are held to the highest standards, and deputies are not exempt or above the law they are tasked with enforcing”, Sheriff Schroetlin said. “As with any criminal investigation, there is a presumption of innocence on behalf of the deputy pending the conclusion of the investigation and any possible court proceedings”.

Due to the ongoing investigation and to maintain the integrity of the case, the deputy is not being identified and no further information is being released at this time, according to the statement from the Sheriff’s Office.