13 Investigates: CBI conducts criminal investigation involving Woodland Park PD
WOODLAND PARK, Colo. (KRDO) -- City Manager Michael Lawson confirmed to 13 Investigates the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and a detective from the Teller County Sheriff's Office are conducting a criminal investigation involving the Woodland Park Police Department.
According to Lawson, the investigators did not say what the investigation is about, however, they requested to interview executive-level members of the Woodland Park Police Department.
Lawson confirmed the members of the department being interviewed are Commanders Ryan Holzwarth, who is also serving as acting Police Chief, and Andy Leibbrand. At this time, no charges have been filed against anyone.
Both Holzwarth and Leibbrand have been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation proceeds.
Our team saw Holzwarth and the Teller County Sheriff walk into the back door of city hall around 2 pm Monday.
"Because this situation is very preliminary, and also because the city does not have any details of what the allegations are, the city will not make assumptions other than these are only allegations at this time and we have extremely limited information to share. We are also sensitive to the fact that any details that we may confirm could jeopardize an ongoing investigation," Lawson said.
13 Investigates has reached out to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for more information.
The CBI interviews come three weeks after Woodland Park Police Chief Miles DeYoung was placed on paid administrative leave for an investigation into workplace conduct allegations. DeYoung is still on leave for that investigation. It's unclear if the CBI interviews are connected to DeYoung's leave or workplace conduct investigation.
The Woodland Park city manager previously said that the allegations against DeYoung "are not criminal in nature."
DeYoung previously declined to speak with 13 Investigates about why he was on leave, saying it was "a personnel matter."
City officials are waiting for an investigative report by a third party before making a decision regarding DeYoung's employment status.
While the three top leaders of the police department are on leave, the city plans to bring in an outside resource to fill the role of acting chief, according to the city manager. In the meantime, Sergeant Mike McDaniel and Sergeant Beth Huber will handle the duties of Holzwarth and Leibbrand.
If you have a lead or story you want our team to look into, email us at 13Investigates@krdo.com.
