The Colorado Bureau of Investigation last week launched an investigation into the chief of police at Colorado Psychiatric Hospital in Pueblo, and he has been removed from his post, The Denver Post confirmed Wednesday.
Richard McMorran was escorted from the hospital’s sprawling 300-acre campus last week, a person familiar with the case told The Denver Post. Reached by phone Wednesday, he declined to comment.
CBI spokesman Rob Roe confirmed that officials began a “potentially criminal investigation” at the psychiatric hospital on September 26 at the request of the Colorado Department of Human Services, which oversees the facility. Ta. He declined to specify the targets of the investigation or to comment further.
Annmarie Harper, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Human Services, declined to answer questions about why McMoran was fired and did not respond to multiple inquiries from The Post on Wednesday.
The state mental health hospital’s small police department handles criminal cases on a 516-bed campus. The department includes several certified police officers, as well as a number of security personnel who work in secure buildings.
Mr McMorran was appointed director in 2018, but his predecessor was also abruptly removed from his post, placed on leave and escorted from the premises. The reason for the former chief’s resignation is not clear, but he did not return from leave.
McMoran’s position on the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board was active Tuesday, with no actions listed that contradict his certification.
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First published: October 2, 2024 at 4:16 p.m.
