Missing former El Paso Co. deputy last seen at National Park found, booked into jail

TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO)- A former El Paso County Deputy who was last seen almost a year ago, on April 30, 2023, at Rocky Mountain National Park was booked into the Teller County jail. An inmate search shows that Kevin Sypher was booked just after 6:30 p.m. on April 2, 2024.

When Sypher disappeared, he was still with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) but, the POST database shows that he was terminated for cause on August 28, 2023. He is still a certified law enforcement officer.

There were searches twice for Sypher in 2023. The first was on April 27, 2023, after he disappeared from his home in Parker. Two days later on April 29, 2023, it was confirmed that Sypher was located safely and in contact with the Parker Police Department.

Days later, Rocky Mountain National Park sent out a release that Sypher went missing again and was last seen near the Wild Basin Entrance in Rocky Mountain National Park when he is reported to have willingly walked away from a vehicle he was traveling in. However, after a days-long search, efforts were suspended on May 5.

Sypher is currently being held in the Teller County jail on a $100,000 bond.

KRDO13 Investigates reached out to EPSO for details. They tell us that a statement is expected to be released with more information.

KRDO13 Investigates learned that Sypher worked in the jail while with EPSO and most recently did investigations before his termination.

KRDO13 Investigates obtained an email that was sent to EPSO personnel on April 2, 2024, regarding Sypher's arrest. It can be read below.

Team,

I know many of you have shared your concerns with the whereabouts and safety of former Deputy Kevin Sypher. The Office was intentionally silent and shared only fragments of the situation due to an active investigation. We are now at a point where I am able to provide some details. I am not pleased to share with you the following information:

On April 2, 2024, 57-year-old Kevin Sypher was arrested after an in-depth investigation by members of the Investigations Division. Because of his previous duties with the Office and some aspects of the criminal case, he was booked into the Teller County Jail. He has been charged with:

CRS 18-4-401 Theft, a felony

CRS 6-16-111 Charitable Fraud, a felony

CRS 18-8-404 Official Misconduct, two misdemeanor counts

Mr. Sypher was a member of our office for over 11 years before his employment ended in 2023. 

This is an active investigation and therefore, further details regarding this situation will not be disclosed at this time.

Joe

Email sent from Sheriff Joe Roybal to EPSO Personnel