Neighbors Stand Behind Officer Accused Of Unlawful Sexual Contact
By Tom Mustin
BRIGHTON, Colo. (CBS4) - A former Commerce City police officer has been accused of molesting women during traffic stops and his neighbors in Brighton are in disbelief.
"I can't picture anything like this being true," Sadie Rhuby said.
Rhuby can't believe the charges against her longtime Brighton neighbor, 22-year-old John Reinhart.
"We've known him since he was very young. He shoveled our steps. He was a Boy Scout," Rhuby told CBS4's Ton Mustin.
On Monday District Attorney Dave Young announced three counts of unlawful sexual contact against Reinhart. Last month a woman came forward and said Reinhart touched her inappropriately during a traffic stop last September. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation then identified two more women with the same allegations from December.
Police Chief Troy Smith praised the women for coming forward and talked about the potential damage to his department
"If these allegations are true they would certainly be detrimental to the trust we need in providing that service," Smith said.
Reinhart resigned Friday after 18 months with the department. Rhuby says Reinhart should be considered innocent until proven guilty.
"I guess what upsets me is it seems like everybody wants to bash the police officers. Sometimes a little thing can be blown up to something big. It's just hard to believe. Two sides to every story," Rhuby said.
Rhuby's daughter , Brooke Winslow, has known Reinhart her entire life. She agrees.
"I don't believe it at all," Winslow said. "There are stories where an officer would do something like that. I don't think John is one of those officers."
But with the CBI now investigating 2,500 contacts by Reinhart during his time with the Commerce City Police Department, The district attorney is confident the sex charges against the former officer will stand.
"We file charges we think we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt," said Young.
Because the alleged crimes are misdemeanors, Reinhart is not in police custody. His first court date is set for May 5.
Additional Information From The CBI
Anyone who has information about the investigation or other incidents either regarding Reinhart or any other officer in Commerce City is asked to call the tip line set up by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation: 303.239.4611.
Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Connect with Tom on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @TomCBS4.
