A criminal investigator from the Colorado Department of Corrections is currently facing multiple felony charges in connection with an alleged assault that occurred last week.
James Michael Lusk, an employee of the department’s Office of Inspector General, was taken into custody on February 4th in Cañon City. The police have suggested filing charges against him for second-degree assault causing serious bodily injury, second-degree assault with a deadly weapon (both considered felonies), as well as harassment in the form of striking, shoving, or kicking (a misdemeanor).
According to a spokesperson from the Department of Corrections (DOC), Lusk, who is 49 years old, has been put on paid administrative leave.
The alleged victim recounted to the police that in order to defend myself, I resorted to punching him, attempting to create distance between us. However, he persisted in striking me with greater force and speed.
Blood was discovered in the vicinity of the purported assault as well as in a bathroom sink, indicating that it originated from the alleged victim’s nose. A nurse later revealed to investigators that the individual had suffered a broken nose during the incident.
Lusk was arrested and subsequently held at the Fremont County Jail on a bond amounting to $1,000. However, he was later released on a personal recognizance bond.
Lusk will appear in court on Wednesday to formally file charges.
The attorney representing him declined to provide any comments on the case when asked by CBS News Colorado via email.
DOC OIG investigators possess the authority of arrest as they are sworn law enforcement officers in Colorado. The department assigns them the responsibility of investigating criminal activity and professional standards violations, both within and beyond DOC facilities.
If he is convicted of any of the charges, he will no longer be able to serve as a law enforcement officer in Colorado. However, if he is only convicted of the misdemeanor harassment charge, he can still request an exemption and continue his service in law enforcement.