DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Curtis Arganbright, age 42, a former Westminster Police Officer, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Denver to one count of violating the civil rights of a female in his care whom he sexually assaulted.  The guilty plea was entered before U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martinez.  Arganbright appeared at the hearing free on bond.  Bond was continued pending sentencing, which is scheduled for March 11, 2020.

According to court documents, Arganbright worked as a police officer for Westminster Police Department in August 2017.  While on duty in the early morning hours of August 24, 2017, Arganbright responded to a call of a theft at St. Anthony Hospital.  After hospital personnel declined to press charges against the woman, Arganbright agreed to drive her home.  During that transport, Arganbright pulled off the main road and sexually assaulted the victim.  Arganbright admitted that his contact resulted in bodily injury to the victim.   As part of the plea agreement, Arganbright agreed to never again seek employment as a police officer and to register as a sex offender.

Arganbright was originally charged in state court and ultimately pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual contact and official misconduct.  He was then sentenced to 90 days in county jail.  

“As federal prosecutors, our job is to ensure that justice is always served,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.  “When we see an injustice, we will not hesitate to step in, particularly when it involves vulnerable people or those in positions of power.” 

“The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute law enforcement officers who abuse their authority and sexually assault vulnerable people in their care,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. 

“The FBI takes color of law allegations of misconduct seriously and we will vigorously investigate any public official who willfully deprives those we serve of their constitutionally protected rights,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips.  “Law enforcement officers at all levels are given tremendous authority and the abuse of that authority is detrimental to the safety of our community.  The FBI is tremendously grateful for the cooperation from Broomfield and Westminster Police Departments.”

Arganbright faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

This case is being investigated by the Denver Division of the FBI.  The Broomfield Police Department also provided substantial assistance throughout the investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Fields of the District of Colorado and Trial Attorneys Maura White and Katherine DeVar of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. 

DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced today that former Westminster Police Officer Curtis Arganbright has been charged with violating a woman’s civil rights by having nonconsensual sex with her while she was in his police custody.  Arganbright was convicted by the State of Colorado in 2018 based on the same incident.  He ultimately pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual contact and official misconduct and was sentenced to 90 days in county jail.  He now faces up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted of the new federal charge. 

The federal investigation was conducted by the Denver Field Office of the FBI.  Arganbright was charged by Information in U.S. District Court in Denver.  He appeared at today’s hearing and waived his right to indictment.  The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.

The charge contained in the Information is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.