Denver’s Manager of Safety has fired a 5-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department for helping a jail inmate get bond and then lying about it.
The April 1 termination of Deputy Thomas Smith brings to 10 the number of Denver peace officers dismissed since March. Safety Manager Charles Garcia has fired eight, including Smith, seven of whom were Denver police. Former Safety Manager Mary Malatesta fired two Denver officers in March, before Garcia took office.
Smith, who couldn’t be reached for comment, was working at the Denver Detention Center last June when Davon Johnson,an inmate told him that he needed a bondsman, according to a summary of the case, signed by deputy manager of safety Ashley Kilroy.
Smith, who identified himself by another deputy’s name when talking to Johnson, told him “I might be able to help you, it will cost $1,000.”
The following day, the inmate, signed a Sheriff’s Department property release form, turning over $2,802 from his account to Robert Russell, who helped get him his bond.
Smith first denied knowing Johnson and Russell but later told investigators that he grew up with both of them. “You (Smith) said you’ve never referred anyone to a bondsman and do not know why Mr. Russell’s cell number was called from the DDC while you were working,” the summary said.
He later changed his story. “You stated that Robert Russell would come to the DDC to pull money from Davon Johnson’s account and help him bond out,” the summary said.
Smith was dismissed for failing to provide a statement and for commission of a deceptive act. “Your actions amount to conduct prejudicial to the the efficiency, good name and reputation of the City and County of Denver,” the summary said. “Your actions and admissions have also led us to question your truthfulness and good judgement which are essential to your position with the Denver Sheriff Department.”
Tom McGhee: 303-954-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com
