In what appears to be a major shakeup in the Park County Sheriff's Department command structure, another termination of a Sheriff's officer occurred late last week.

Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener has announced the termination of employment of Undersheriff Don Anthony as of the end of last week. Anthony has been on administrative leave since October 14, 2005, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

The independent investigation is headed by Division Chief Phil Baca from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and is almost complete, according the the Park County Sheriff's Office. However, Sheriff Wegener said, "recent developments forced me to take this action immediately."

Though the investigations of two officers in the department are not confirmed as related, former Lt. Ed Rasch was also placed on administrative leave in October. Rasch was subsequently terminated on November 16 and arrested on charges of harassment and official misconduct.

Park County jail administrator, Captain Monte Gore, continues to serve as Acting Undersheriff for the department.

Related:
Sheriff's Department Investigation (Oct 18 2005)