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Investigation Underway Into Jail Handling Of Webb Family Member

By Brian Maass

DENVER (CBS4) - CBS4 has learned that the Denver Sheriffs Department has initiated an internal affairs investigation into a Denver Sheriffs Captain's handling of an inmate last week – the inmate is the niece of Denver's Manager of Safety, and the granddaughter of former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb.

Jaime Webb, 29, was arrested last Wednesday and booked into the downtown jail on a charge of destruction of private property, according to jail records. Police reports indicate the incident itself took place earlier in the summer.

Jaime Webb is the granddaughter of former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and her Aunt is Stephanie O'Malley, who oversees the Denver Sheriff, Police and Fire Departments. Jaime Webb is accused of causing about $150 worth of damage to a friend's car during an argument July 9 over a boyfriend.

jamie-webb
Jamie Webb (credit: Denver Sheriffs Department)

Webb was ultimately arrested last Wednesday in connection with the case. Jail records say Webb was scheduled to be held overnight without bond.

Last Thursday, O'Malley emailed Denver Sheriff Patrick Firman noting that "a relative of mine is in the custody of the Denver Sheriffs Department. I direct you to treat this matter in accordance with the manner and approach that you and your department would with any other inmate in your care and custody."

Six minutes later, Firman replied, "I have instructed Sheriffs Department staff that there is to be no differential treatment whatsoever."

However, three sources confirmed to CBS4 that an internal affairs investigation has been launched into Jail Captain Phazaria Koonce and how she handled the Jaime Webb case.

A spokesman for the Denver Sheriffs Department confirmed the internal affairs investigation but declined to provide any details.

"An internal affairs investigation is going on into the recent booking of an individual," wrote Sheriffs' spokesman Simon Crittle. "The Department is taking the matter seriously, as it does all internal affairs investigations."

CBS4 has not been able to reach Koonce for comment.

CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass has been with the station more than 30 years uncovering waste, fraud and corruption. Follow him on Twitter @Briancbs4.

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