Denver District Attorney Will Not Charge Arapahoe Sheriff

DENVER—Today, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann completed her office’s review of an incident involving Arapahoe Sheriff Tyler Brown that occurred on August 21, 2021, in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

“I want to recognize the thorough, professional and unbiased investigation conducted by the men and women of Greenwood Village Police Department regarding this incident,” said DA McCann.  “The officers and detectives who handled this investigation pursued all avenues to determine what happened and Chief Dustin Varney and his team did outstanding work.”

Based on all of the evidence presented, it is DA McCann’s conclusion that the evidence does not support criminal charges against any of the parties involved for the following reasons:

• All parties involved have legal defenses that could be asserted.
• All parties were drinking, and their testimony is not reliable.
• The parties involved who could be considered victims of the sheriff’s conduct do not wish to proceed with criminal charges.
• There were no serious injuries.
• Criminal justice resources would be better spent focusing on serious crimes with willing and credible witnesses.
• There is no reasonable likelihood of a conviction.

“Having concluded that criminal charges are not warranted, I want to make it clear that the behavior of Sheriff Brown in this situation was irresponsible and unprofessional for an elected sheriff,” DA McCann continued. “I am not in a position to take any further action with regard to this situation as my role is to determine if criminal charges should be filed. I will leave any further action to the officials and voters of Arapahoe County.”

This matter was reviewed by the Denver District Attorney’s Office at the request of Arapahoe County District Attorney John Kellner.

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