The Colorado Bureau of Investigation launched an inquiry into the chief of police at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo last week and the chief was removed from his position, The Denver Post confirmed Wednesday.
Richard McMorran was escorted from the hospital’s sprawling 300-acre campus last week, sources with knowledge of the incident told The Denver Post. He declined to comment when reached by phone Wednesday.
CBI spokesman Rob Low confirmed that agents launched a “possible criminal investigation” at the mental health hospital on Sept. 26 at the request of the Colorado Department of Human Services, which oversees the facility. He declined to specify the target of the investigation or offer further comment.
AnneMarie Harper, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Human Services, did not answer questions about why McMorran was removed or respond to multiple inquiries from The Post on Wednesday.
The state mental health hospital’s small police department handles criminal matters at the 516-bed campus. The department includes a handful of certified police officers, as well as a number of security guards.
McMorran was appointed chief in 2018 when his predecessor was also abruptly removed from his position, placed on administrative leave and escorted from the premises. The reason for the previous chief’s departure was not clear, but he did not return from leave.
McMorran’s standing with the Peace Officer Standards and Training board was active Tuesday with no actions listed against his certification.
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