A former law enforcement officer from Garfield County is facing serious charges after allegedly embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from both a local county and a non-profit organization.
Trisha Worley, who served as a corporal with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), turned herself in on January 28, 2025, after being accused of stealing a total of $74,000 from the county and the Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association. The charges follow an investigation by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that started in October of 2024.
Investigation and Arrest: A Shocking Discovery
The investigation began when authorities became aware of discrepancies in funding involving Garfield County and the Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association, a local non-profit group. Worley’s alleged crimes took place over a span of six years, from 2018 to 2024, during which she reportedly embezzled the large sum.
The warrant for her arrest was issued on January 28, 2025, the same day that Worley voluntarily surrendered herself to law enforcement. Authorities revealed that the Colorado Bureau of Investigation had conducted a thorough probe before the arrest was made public. Following her surrender, Worley was booked into the Garfield County Jail.
Interestingly, Worley’s connection to the Sheriff’s Office was severed several months prior. She was dismissed from her position with the GCSO on November 7, 2024, after an internal investigation. The Sheriff’s Office did not release specific details about the findings of that investigation.
Details of the Charges: What’s at Stake?
Worley faces a range of felony charges for her alleged crimes, with some punishable by significant prison time. These include:
- Theft of $5,000 – $20,000 (Class 5 felony)
- Theft of $20,000 – $100,000 (Class 4 felony)
- Embezzlement of public property (Class 5 felony)
- Identity theft (Class 4 felony)
- First-degree official misconduct (Class 1 misdemeanor)
Each of these charges reflects the severity of her alleged misconduct, especially considering her former position within the Sheriff’s Office, where she held a position of trust.
Bond and Court Proceedings
Worley’s bond was set at $25,000, which she was able to pay, allowing her to be released pending further court proceedings. While the investigation is ongoing, law enforcement officials have made it clear that they take the case seriously and are committed to ensuring justice is served.
The situation has sent shockwaves through the Garfield County community, as residents now face the uncomfortable reality of a trusted law enforcement officer being accused of such serious offenses. Many are left wondering how this could have gone undetected for so long.
Worley is expected to appear in court soon, with further updates on the case likely to emerge as more details are revealed.