Fired Florence City Manager, accused of inappropriate behavior, contemplating plea deal

FLORENCE, Colo. (KRDO) -- Former Florence City Manager Mike Patterson is contemplating a plea deal.

Patterson's case was profiled in 13 Investigates special report, where three women he managed, accused him of inappropriate behavior at Florence City Hall.

13 Investigates has learned Patterson is considering a misdemeanor plea deal after being charged with felony stalking, misdemeanor sexual contact no consent, and another misdemeanor charge of providing alcohol to a minor.

He was fired from his job in August 2021 and arrested at the Denver International Airport in November 2021.

Before his eventual firing, 13 Investigates uncovered records showing the city kept Patterson in his role after it previously settled a lawsuit with a former clerk who accused him of sexual harassment.

Monday, Patterson's attorney suggested in court that there has been inaccurate and excessive media coverage of the case. However, when 13 Investigates asked Patterson's attorney for specifics on what he meant, the attorney said he had no comment.

Patterson is due back in court on July 11.