Bond granted for former Florence city manager accused of stalking, sexually harassing employees
FLORENCE, Colo. (KRDO) - Former Florence City Manager Michael Patterson now has to put up $25,000 in cash or property to get out of the Fremont County Jail after being granted bond.
Patterson is accused of sending sexual videos of himself to female employees, buying alcohol for a female city staff member under the age of 21, and repeatedly coercing female subordinates for sex at city hall. He is facing stalking, unlawful sexual contact, and providing alcohol to minor charges.
Patterson was arrested at the Denver International Airport on November 15. His private attorney says he is unable to comment on the recent allegations at this time.
A judge and prosecutors raised concerns about why it took twelve days after a warrant was issued for Patterson to be taken into custody during an advisement hearing on Wednesday afternoon. Patterson's defense attorney told the court Patterson found out about the warrant out for his arrest as he was going on vacation. Patterson did not flee as he was instructed by another attorney to turn himself in when he returned from the trip, according to the former manager's lawyer.
Patterson was fired without explanation in late August by the Florence City Council after working for the small southern Colorado city for a decade.
13 Investigates has learned this isn't Patterson's first run-in with police. In 2008, he pleaded guilty to assault charges and admitted he harmed his wife, according to The Oregonian newspaper. At the time, Patterson agreed to an 18-month counseling program to prevent domestic violence in exchange for the assault charges to be dropped at the completion of the program.
Patterson is scheduled to be back in court on December 1. His bond prohibits him from leaving Colorado.
13 Investigates has reached out to all of the elected officials in the City of Florence for comment on Patterson's case. None of them have responded to our questions.
If you have a story you want our team to investigate, contact us at 13Investigates@krdo.com.
