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Former Sheriff's Home Searched, Gay Porn, Computer Seized

Written by Brian Maass

DENVER (CBS4) - CBS4 has learned that law enforcement investigators searched the Littleton home of former Arapahoe County Sheriff Pat Sullivan Tuesday night, removing a large volume of adult male pornography along with computer hard drives.

Authorities did not find any methamphetamine at Sullivan's home.

The search came hours after police arrested Sullivan Tuesday afternoon on a felony drug charge, accusing the 68-year-old former sheriff of attempting to trade methamphetamine for sex with a male acquaintance.

Sullivan is being held on $500,000 bond at the Arapahoe County Jail which is named for the retired sheriff -- the Patrick J. Sullivan Detention Center.

Sullivan made a first court appearance Wednesday morning. He was wearing ankle and wrist shackles and didn't say anything in court. Sullivan communicated through his attorney.

Prosecutors asked for Sullivan's bond to be increased from $250,000 to $500,000 and the judge granted that request.

Sullivan is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 5 for the official filing of charges.

"This is a very sad time for the sheriff's office and the community," said current Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson. "No one, absolutely no one is above the law and particularly current or former peace officers."

The Tuesday afternoon arrest of Sullivan in a law enforcement sting came about two weeks after authorities began looking into Sullivan's suspected involvment in distributing meth. They say the investigation was prompted by several credible informants who linked Sullivan to methamphetamine distribution.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Sullivan Affidavit

According to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, Sullivan agreed to meet a male friend Tuesday and provide meth in exchange for the performance of a sex act. He was taken into custody without incident.

Sullivan, who was once named Sheriff of the Year by the National Sheriff Association, agreed to a lengthy interview with investigators Tuesday night. Sources say Sullivan agreed to allow investigators to search his home.

READ MORE: Former Arapahoe County Sheriff's Daughter Talks About Drug Trafficking Allegations

Investigators removed several computer hard drives along with what are described as hundreds of DVDs of gay pornography.

Detectives also seized Sullivan's car when he was arrested.

More About Pat Sullivan

Sullivan was the elected Arapahoe County Sheriff for 19 years. He retired in 2002 and went on to become director of safety and security for Cherry Creek Schools. He was a nationally-regarded law enforcement figure and in 2001 as the National Sheriff Association named Sullivan "Sheriff of the Year."

According to public records, in 2007 and 2008 Sullivan was an active participant in state and local methamphetamine task forces, helping craft a state plan to deal with the scourge of methamphetamine.

Pat Sullivan
Pat Sullivan (credit: CBS)

Sullivan was a revered figure in law enforcement. When he retired the Rocky Mountain News called him "Dedicated. Loyal. Available. Protector. High Achiever. Medal of Valor Winner. Hero."

The National Association of School Resource Officers gave Sullivan a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. At the time the executive director of NASRO, Curtis Lavarello, said of Sullivan, "You are not only committed to the SRO concept, but have truly spent your entire career making every effort to keep children safe."

Sullivan served in law enforcement for 40 years, beginning in 1962 as a Littleton police officer and dispatcher. He joined the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office in 1979 as a captain and patrol division commander. He was named undersheriff in 1983 and appointed to the top job 6 months later.

Sullivan testified before congressional subcommittees on several occasions, weighing in on various law enforcement issues.

President Bill Clinton named Sullivan in 1995 to the National Commission on Crime Prevention and Control. According to a 1995 White House news release, Sullivan was a consultant to U.S. House Subcommittee on Crime and served on two advisory councils affiliated with the Department of Justice.

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