Former Aurora Police Officer Resigns After Investigation Finds He Took and Ingested Narcotics Evidence
Description: Former Aurora Police Officer Michael Gallagher resigned in lieu of termination after an internal investigation sustained policy violations involving narcotics evidence, substance abuse, evidence tampering and untruthful statements...
Published: 2 hours ago
A former Aurora police officer has resigned in lieu of termination following an internal investigation into misconduct while on duty.
The investigation sustained several agency policy violations against former Officer Michael Gallagher, including substance abuse, tampering with evidence, and knowingly making untruthful statements during a criminal or internal investigation, or while testifying under oath.
The investigation determined Gallagher took narcotics that had been collected as evidence during a traffic stop while on duty and later ingested them while driving home from his shift, causing him to become incapacitated in his vehicle on a highway in Commerce City.
“Every member of this organization takes an oath to serve and protect this community with professionalism, compassion and integrity. What occurred here violated that oath, our policies, and the trust placed in us by the public,” said Chief Todd Chamberlain.
“I also want to be clear about our response. When these allegations came to light, we immediately began the process to hold this officer accountable. He was removed from duty and placed on paid administrative leave while a thorough internal investigation was conducted. That investigation recently concluded, serious policy violations were sustained, and his employment with the Aurora Police Department has ended.
The matter has also been referred to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for criminal charges.
There is no place in this department for this type of conduct. The actions identified in this investigation are fundamentally incompatible with the responsibilities and integrity required of a peace officer.
Our community should expect the highest level of professionalism from its police department, and I expect the same from every member of this organization. When misconduct occurs, we will investigate it, address it and hold our personnel accountable. That is our responsibility to this community and to the men and women of this department who honor their oath every day,” Chamberlain said.
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