Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Sheriff Mike Burgess Hearing has Started

A preliminary hearing is under way in Arapaho for a former sheriff accused of running a sex slave operation at the Custer County jail.

Former Sheriff Mike Burgess is charged with 35 felonies including second-degree rape, forcible oral sodomy and bribery.

Former deputy Jennifer Tyler testified today that Burgess groped her several times including before her first day on the job.

Tyler also said Burgess had inappropriate sexual contact with women he oversaw in the county's drug court program.

Prosecutors are also expected to present allegations made in a federal lawsuit by 12 former inmates who say they were forced into wet T-short contests and offered cigarettes for exposing their breasts.

It also claims Burgess told a drug court participant he would have her sent to prison if she didn't agree to his sexual demands.

His attorney says Burgess is eager to get to court and clear his name.

Burgess resigned in April and faces up to 467 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

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