Colorado State University’s campus police chief, already suspended pending a personnel investigation and facing allegations that he condoned illegal activity, quit today.
No reason was given for Dexter Yarbrough’s decision to resign. CSU interim president Tony Frank said he and Yarbrough both agreed that “his resignation is in the best interest of the Colorado State University Police Department and the university.”
Yarbrough could not be reached for comment.
He was placed on indefinite paid administrative leave on Dec. 19 by Frank for a “noncriminal” personnel matter. Yarbrough’s gun and police cruiser were taken away, and he was escorted off campus.
Fort Collins police — citing conflict-of-interest concerns — asked the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to join in the ensuing investigation of Yarbrough.
That investigation was almost wrapped up, according to university officials.
Meanwhile, new allegations against Yarbrough arose in late January when the campus newspaper, The Rocky Mountain Collegian, reported on audio recordings made by a student indicating that Yarbrough believed it was fine to break the law to nab criminals.
Yarbrough, who also taught a criminal-investigation class, was heard telling students: “We may decide to give the informant 10 of those (crack cocaine) rocks. OK.” When a student asked whether that was legal, Yarbrough said he would deny ever supplying the drugs, according to the Collegian.
The investigation of the tapes was dismissed last fall under the administration of former CSU president Larry Penley, the Collegian said.
Yarbrough told 9News he was only illustrating how police might catch drug dealers.
Frank met with Yarbrough earlier this week. A national search will begin to name Yarbrough’s successor.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
