Denver deputy fired for lying in use of force case

A Denver sheriff’s deputy has been fired for lying about another deputy’s assault of an inmate.

Safety Director Stephanie O’Malley on Thursday announced the dismissal of William Lewis, saying the department will not tolerate deceit. O’Malley says Lewis lied about a July case in which cameras captured another deputy punching and kicking an inmate in a jail intake area.

Officials say Lewis did not mention the assault in reports about the incident and inaccurately said the inmate advanced toward the deputy, posing a threat. The other deputy, Thomas Ford, has been fired for inappropriate force.

Lewis’ attorney, Reid Elkus, says his termination is unwarranted, and he will appeal.

The cases come as the sheriff’s department tries to make sweeping changes after a series of high-profile misconduct and excessive-force cases.