A Denver police sergeant has been arrested in Jefferson County for investigation of internet luring of child.
Sgt. Timothy Hyatt, 45, turned himself in to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at about 9 a.m., according to a JCSO release. He was arrested by the Child Sex Offender Internet Investigations unit known as Cheezo.
An investigation began in February, when Hyatt allegedly began communicating online with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, according to the sheriff’s office. Hyatt allegedly used multiple social media platforms and a variety of online identities. During the virtual interactions, Hyatt allegedly made sexually explicit advances toward the person he believed to be a young teen.
“Based on information given, investigators were able to confirm Hyatt’s identity and he now faces one count of internet luring of a child,” the sheriff’s office said.
Hyatt’s first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, where he will be advised of charges and bond considerations.
Denver police on Wednesday said that Hyatt came under suspicion during a Jefferson County investigation and the department was notified of the allegations on Tuesday. Hyatt is on non-paid administrative leave following his felony arrest.
“The Department’s administrative review and disciplinary process will begin once the criminal case is adjudicated,” the release said. “If convicted of a felony, he will no longer be eligible to work as a sworn police officer in Colorado according to the (state’s) Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) policy.”
Hyatt joined the department in 2005 and was currently assigned as a sergeant within the patrol division.
In July 2020, Hyatt was cleared of criminal charges in a fatal police shooting. Hyatt tried to fire at Nico Descheenie, who was killed by another officer’s gunfire, but his gun malfunctioned. Officer Joseph Heckenkamp, who shot Descheenie — who was armed — was also cleared in the shooting.
In 2017, Hyatt was among eight officers who helped a Denver family celebrate Christmas. The officers provided gifts and a holiday dinner to a family who had a member die from cancer.
The DPD on Wednesday said that it “finds these allegations very concerning” in regard to the Jefferson County investigation.
Denver’s disciplinary process will include the Denver Department of Safety and the Office of the Independent Monitor, a civilian oversight agency.
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