Former homicide detective who pleaded guilty to attempting to influence a public servant is sentenced

A former Colorado Springs homicide detective who was accused of having sex with a kidnapping victim was sentenced Monday.

Paul Patton previously pleaded guilty to attempting to influence a public servant and official misconduct in exchange for a four year deferred sentence and probation. Patton was also ordered to complete 300 hours of community service, undergo a mental health evaluation and pay court fees at his January 11, 2016 sentencing.

Patton told KRDO NewsChannel 13 he had nothing to say about the sentencing.

Colorado Springs police said Patton met the woman while he was the lead investigator on her case and that things turned sexual this past June.

Court documents say he used his police cellphone and video to exchange sexually explicit messages with her and that he admitted to having sex with her. The documents say he tried to cover up the relationship by claiming the woman was stalking him. You can read more about the case here.

Police say Patton was placed on paid leave on July 28, 2015 and unpaid leave on September 7, 2015. Patton resigned from the Colorado Springs Police Department on October 1, 2015.