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El Paso County Sheriff Called On To Resign Amid Sex Allegations

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) - There's now a call for the El Paso County sheriff to resign or go on leave amid allegations he had sexual relationships with several subordinates.

At a county meeting Commissioner Peggy Littleton said that she speaks for herself and not on behalf of the board in her request. She said Sheriff Terry Maketa should either resign immediately or place himself on administrative leave.

El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa
El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa (credit: CBS)

It was the first meeting of county commissioners since misconduct allegations surfaced about Maketa. Littleton wasted no time asking the sheriff to step down.

"I'm going to ask our sheriff to, at a minimum, to put himself on leave, and the undersheriff as well, who's embroiled in this controversy; and even ask for the sheriff's resignation," Littleton said.

Three department commanders filed a formal complaint against Maketa, accusing him of having affairs with subordinates, verbally abusing those who questioned the relationships, and removing oversight of the department's $60 million budget.

Maketa, the face of last year's devastating Black Forest Fire, denies the claims, as do the three women he's accused of having affairs with.

The story initially broke when the Colorado Springs Gazette outlined a complaint written by three top commanders in the sheriff's office, which said Maketa gave special treatment to women he had sexual relationships with, including promotions and pay raises.

RELATED: El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa Accused Of Affairs, Mismanagement

Also obtained were emails exchanged between the women and Maketa, including an email containing a cellphone photo of the shirtless sheriff.

El Paso County commissioners say they will now conduct their own investigation to the claims against Maketa.

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