ARVADA, Colo. - Three former Arvada Police officers find themselves on the wrong side of the law, charged with misdemeanor crimes involving a case of excessive force and cover up.
The Jefferson County DA today charged 29-year-old Whitney Bauma and 28-year-old Noah Rolfing with failing to report, official misconduct and false reporting. 31-year-old Charles Whitney was charged with misdemeanor assault as well. All three officers have resigned.
The allegations stem from a January arrest, where police thoroughly documented suspect Kelly Etheridge being combative and spitting on an officer, but none of the officers reported seeing Humphrey allegedly punch Etheridge in the face.
Fox 31 has learned that Hunprhey is involved in at least two other cases of alleged brutality that resulted in lawsuits being filed against Arvada. Those lawsuits cost Arvada taxpayers $430,000.
The first case involved a call on a noise complaint at an Arvada home. The family says it turned into a "police riot" with a cell phone taping officers tasing and beating one of the family members. A Jefferson County Judge said the Arvada officers illegally entered the home and illegally took family members into custody.
The third case involves a man who filed a lawsuit against Arvada Police, claiming they illegally entered the home where he was a guest and transported him to a hospital and medically treated him against his will.
Police say a larger internal investigation continues into other issues and officers within the department. The Chief has said he will not tolerate misconduct and will take appropriate disciplinary action if necessary after the investigation is complete.
The Jefferson County DA today charged 29-year-old Whitney Bauma and 28-year-old Noah Rolfing with failing to report, official misconduct and false reporting. 31-year-old Charles Whitney was charged with misdemeanor assault as well. All three officers have resigned.
The allegations stem from a January arrest, where police thoroughly documented suspect Kelly Etheridge being combative and spitting on an officer, but none of the officers reported seeing Humphrey allegedly punch Etheridge in the face.
Fox 31 has learned that Hunprhey is involved in at least two other cases of alleged brutality that resulted in lawsuits being filed against Arvada. Those lawsuits cost Arvada taxpayers $430,000.
The first case involved a call on a noise complaint at an Arvada home. The family says it turned into a "police riot" with a cell phone taping officers tasing and beating one of the family members. A Jefferson County Judge said the Arvada officers illegally entered the home and illegally took family members into custody.
The third case involves a man who filed a lawsuit against Arvada Police, claiming they illegally entered the home where he was a guest and transported him to a hospital and medically treated him against his will.
Police say a larger internal investigation continues into other issues and officers within the department. The Chief has said he will not tolerate misconduct and will take appropriate disciplinary action if necessary after the investigation is complete.
