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Adams County Deputy Arrested On Felony Charges

BRIGHTON, Colo. (CBS4) - A veteran Adams County sheriff's deputy has been charged with two felony forgery counts in connection with a recent DUI stop. The Adams County District Attorney on Monday charged Deputy Catalin Pavel with forgery of a public record, forgery of a government document and official misconduct.

According to court documents, Pavel falsely completed a Breath Alcohol checklist related to a DUI stop of a Thornton man. All charges in that case were dismissed.

"Deputy Pavel denies any wrongdoing and he looks forward to mounting a vigorous defense and he believes he is going to be cleared of any wrongdoing," said Donald Sisson, Pavel's lawyer.

The Adams County Sheriff's Department has placed the deputy on paid administrative leave.

Sisson contends the criminal charge is retaliation for an EEOC discrimination complaint the Deputy filed against the department.

Adams County District Attorney Don Quick declined to discuss the case or answer questions about the potential impact on any other DUI cases handled by the deputy.

The 36-year-old deputy is originally from Romania according to his attorney and has been with the sheriff's department about 10 years.

Pavel is due in court in August for an advisement on the charges.

- Written by Brian Maass for CBSDenver.com

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