2 Denver Sheriff Deputies Placed On Leave During Investigation Into Inappropriate Use Of Force

DENVER (CBS4)- Two Denver Sheriff's deputies have been placed on administrative leave following an investigation into inappropriate use of force while booking an inmate into jail.

Denver Sheriff Gary Wilson confirmed that Denver Deputy Sheriff Thomas Ford and Deputy William Lewis have been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The incident being investigated happened on the evening of July 13 during the book-in process of a detainee.

Ford, a 6½-year veteran, has been placed on investigative leave with pay for inappropriate use of force.

Lewis, a 12-year veteran, has also been placed on investigative leave with pay for writing an inaccurate report related to the inappropriate force incident.

Wilson said neither the video evidence nor the name of the detainee are being released to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

"It was disturbing enough to which I requested a review by the District Attorney's Office," said Wilson.

Wilson has requested an investigation of criminal charges against the officer, which will be decided by the Denver District Attorney's Office.

"I can tell you I'm concerned there was a violation of our policy and a violation of our training," said Wilson.

The sheriff's office has been under scrutiny recently for a number of misconduct allegations. A federal judge last month asked the Department of Justice to investigate the office stemming from claims in a jail-abuse lawsuit.