Top Sheriff Administrator Resigns Amid Internal Investigation

DENVER (CBS4) - CBS4 has learned that Denver Sheriff's Department Division Chief Phillip Deeds has resigned in the face of a departmental investigation.

"On April 21, 2012, Division Chief Deeds submitted his resignation from the Denver Sheriff Department and I accepted his resignation," said Undersheriff Gary Wilson. "The Internal Affairs Investigation involving Chief Deeds is now closed."

In an internal memo distributed Monday to DSD employees and obtained by CBS4, Wilson wrote that "Phil was one of the most respected and highly regarded employees within DSD."

Deeds had been with the sheriff's department for nearly 33 years and most recently oversaw the Detention Center. He was one of three division chiefs.

In January CBS4 reported Deeds and three other deputies were placed on "investigatory leave." A DSD spokesperson said Tuesday that the other deputies remain on leave.

The Department has not specified the nature of the investigation into Deeds and the three other deputies.

Through his attorney Danny Foster, Deeds declined to comment on the reasons for his resignation.

- Written by Brian Maass for CBSDenver.com