A former Eagle County sheriff’s deputy has been indicted on charges he violated department policy by using his patrol car for personal purposes while on duty, including to drive around two women with whom he had a sexual relationship.
Arthur Lee Freeman Jr., 44, is accused of four counts — including two felonies — in the case, court records show. Those charges include official misconduct, embezzlement of public property and improper attempt to influence a public servant.
The indictment was handed down April 5 by a 5th Judicial District Grand Jury, prosecutors said in a Tuesday news release. Freeman surrendered on Monday to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The indictment says Freeman improperly used his assigned patrol car while on duty in 2014 and 2015.
According to the document, while he was on duty in March 2015, Freeman picked up one of the women after a car she was the passenger in was stopped because the driver was under the influence.
The indictment says Freeman told her to hide in the back seat of his patrol vehicle when he was dispatched to a call. She was discovered, authorities say, when a fellow deputy tried to place a prisoner in the back of the vehicle.
The other woman, whom Freeman met while responding to a domestic violence call where she was the victim, told investigators she got between 10 and 15 rides from Freeman in his patrol car.
“Freeman never notified dispatch or his supervisor that he was providing transportation to a female private citizen, a violation of sheriff’s policy,” the indictment says.
During one of those trips, the indictment says Freeman and the second woman drove to an area near the town of Red Cliff where they had sex.
Freeman has not been employed by the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office since Jan. 1, prosecutors say. He is next due in court April 20 to be advised of the charges against him.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or @JesseAPaul
