Deputy Resigns After He's Caught on Camera Stealing Food From Crime Scene

Colorado sheriff's lieutenant fired after video shows him stealing food from crime scene

A Colorado sheriff's lieutenant is out of a job after allegedly stealing some granola bars that didn't belong to him from a drug bust last year.

According to the Durango Herald, La Plata County Sheriff's Office Lt. Ryan Engle was caught on camera taking granola bars by a homeowner who was recording the officers as they served a warrant for a marijuana cultivation drug bust last year. 

After the homeowner discovered the surveillance footage last month, he forwarded the footage to authorities who decided to open an investigation into the alleged misconduct at a crime scene. 

Because a Sheriff's Office employee was involved, the case was turned over to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.  At the same time, the La Plata Sheriff's Office conducted their own investigation, suspending Engle from all of his duties, Sheriff Sean Smith said. 

Ryan Brungard, Engle's attorney, say his client believed the granola bars were up for grabs at the time of the incident based on the homeowner's hospitality at the time. 

“Based on the atmosphere of the search and the homeowner’s hospitality, Ryan felt the granola bars were open for anyone to take,” Brungard said. “So Ryan took a handful for his fellow search team and law enforcement colleagues.” 

Engle worked at the Sheriff's Office for more than 20 years. His last day is scheduled for Friday. 

Photo: Getty Images


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