UPDATED: El Paso County agrees to pay $200,000 to settle claims
El Paso County will pay more than $200,000 to two sheriff’s sergeants who said they were harassed while working under former El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa.
The board of commissioners said the decision to settle protects taxpayer dollars, and they believe going to court would cost much more in the end.
The two claims were filed last year by Sgts. Emory Gerhart and Charles Kull, who both resigned in 2013.
“I do support this move. It puts to rest at least part of the issues that have continued to bring themselves up in this administration. We need to move forward. This is part of that healing process,” El Paso County Sheriff Bill Elder said at Tuesday’s commissioner meeting.
The two sergeants have been awarded a combined total of $200,000.
“Over $150,000, the bulk of that money, is coming from the sheriff’s salary budget item. That money has been in there ready to be used. The smaller amount will come from the county’s risk fund,” said Dennis Hisey, chair of the BOCC.
Both sergeants said they lost income and benefits because of a pattern of harassment and emotional abuse while working for the former sheriff.
All commissioners voted yes to settle both claims, except Amy Lathen, who voted against Gerhart’s settlement.
“There were differences that had to do with mitigating damages, so for one I voted no,” said Lathen.
Despite her vote, the sergeants will be compensated and both will work for the sheriff’s office once again.
Shimon Kohn, who represents Gerhart and Kull said they are pleased with the settlement and believe the amount agreed upon is fair. Gerhart released the following statement:
“I would like to thank Sheriff Elder, he is a true leader. I commend the Commissioners who voted in favor of bringing this incident to closure, thank you. I am grateful for the dedication and determination of my attorneys Mr. Shimon Kohn and Mr. Rick Levinson. And I appreciate the County Attorneys for their understanding and willingness to settle this in a fair and prompt matter. I look forward to moving forward from this point.”
Maketa filed retirement paperwork and left in December.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is still looking into possible criminal charges against him.
