Former EPSO deputy charged in ponzi scheme

A former deputy is charged with running a fraudulent side business while he was employed with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

The United States Attorney charges that from December 2009 to December 2011, David Hawkins ran this business. Hawkins allegedly operated under the name “PD Hawk Investments” and solicited over $1 million from investors. He then allegedly used the money for his own use and not for uses authorized by those investors.

The Attorney’s Office says that Hawkins said he would trade in the foreign currency exchange markets on his investors’ behalf.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office tells KRDO NewsChannel 13 that they were never aware of his second job. Sheriff’s Office policy requires employees to request written permission through their chain of command to engage in off-duty employment.

EPSO said that Hawkins was employed by them from September 2001 until December 2011. He tendered his resignation on December 22, 2011 to pursue his own interests, the Sheriff’s Office said. At the time of his resignation his rank designation was that of Senior Deputy, earning a gross monthly salary of $5029.

Hawkins pleaded not guilty in a Denver courtroom and was released. The investigation is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

We’ll continue to follow the case and bring you the latest information on KRDO.com and NewsChannel 13.