Former Law Enforcement Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault
A former law enforcement officer from the Westminster Police Department (WPD) has pled guilty to sexually assaulting a woman while on duty. Curtis Arganbright pled guilty in federal court in Denver, Colorado to one count of violating the civil rights of a female in his care whom he sexually assaulted.
According to a Department of Justice release, in August 2017, Arganbright responded to a call of theft at St. Anthony Hospital. Hospital personnel declined to press charges against the victim and Arganbright agreed to drive her home. During transport, Arganbright pulled off the main road and assaulted the victim.
Arganbright admitted that his conduct resulted in bodily injury to the victim and, as part of a plea agreement, agreed to never seek employment as a law enforcement officer again and register as a sex offender.
Arganbright was originally charged in state court, where he pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual contact and official misconduct. He was sentenced to 90 days in county jail.
The case was investigated by the Denver Division of the FBI.
“The FBI takes color of law allegations of misconduct seriously and we will vigorously investigate any public official who willfully deprives those we serve of their constitutionally protected rights,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips. “Law enforcement officers at all levels are given tremendous authority and the abuse of that authority is detrimental to the safety of our community. The FBI is tremendously grateful for the cooperation from Broomfield and Westminster Police Departments.”
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division echoed these sentiments, stating, “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute law enforcement officers who abuse their authority and sexually assault vulnerable people in their care.”
Arganbright faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2020.