Councilman Jailed For Domestic Violence

SHERIDAN, Colo. (CBS4)- Sheridan City Councilman Ernie Camacho was jailed overnight earlier this summer on a domestic violence charge and has been ordered to attend a domestic violence counseling class.

"I made a big mistake and I gotta pay the price for it," Camacho told CBS4.

According to police reports, Camacho and his wife were arguing on June 21 at his Sheridan home when the 51-year-old councilman slapped a drink out of his wife's hand.

"I made a mistake. Me and my wife were arguing," said Camacho,"And I just went a step too far. I'm sorry it happened."

Camacho immediately walked to the Sheridan Police Department about a block away, and turned himself in. He was charged with misdemeanor harassment/domestic violence and was booked into the Arapahoe County jail. He posted a $1,000 personal recognizance bond and was released the following day.

According to a Sheridan police report on the incident, Camacho's wife called police. Officers said she was crying and visibly upset when they arrived. She told officers the pair were arguing when she said her husband "just went crazy" saying "he hated her."

Sheridan Police Chief Mark Campbell said Camacho never struck his wife.

"There was no physical touching," said Campbell.

But he said Camacho's actions rose to the level of a harassment charge with a domestic violence component.

"He was cooperative with officers," said Campbell.

"I was sorry I did it. I'm human, everyone gets mad once in awhile," said Camacho.

Court records show Camacho is due back in front of a judge September 26, but he indicated a disposition has already been reached that requires him to attend domestic violence counseling.

Camacho said he and his wife have patched things up and he has repeatedly told her he is sorry for what he did.