Denver’s interim sheriff Elias Diggins has apologized for comments he made during a secretly recorded phone conversation.
The during a hearing for former sheriff’s chief Frank Gale, who was fired in January for giving preferential treatment to a captain who had been arrested and then denying it during an internal investigation.
In the call, Diggins said Gale was fired so “they have a trophy they can hang on their wall. That’s all they care about.”
Gale’s lawyers played the call while Diggins was testifying. Diggins said he did not know he was being recorded.
The apology came via an e-mailed statement where Diggins said he regretted the comments and supported the department’s ongoing reform.
“My comments were inappropriate as a leader of this department,” the statement said. ” I have apologized to Mayor (Michael) Hancock, Executive Director (Stephanie) O’Malley, and now, I want to apologize to our community. The Denver Sheriff Department is on a solid path toward meaningful improvement, and I remain committed to this course of action.”
Noelle Phillips: 303-954-1661, nphillips@denverpost.com or @Noelle_Phillips
