Former Adams County Sheriff’s Sergeant Convicted of Sex Assault and Unlawful Sexual Contact
Brighton, CO —Today, District Attorney Brian Mason is announcing the Sex Assault and Unlawful Sexual Contact conviction of Michael Benson, 34. An Adams County Jury returned the guilty verdicts on Monday, January 31, 2022, after six days of trial.
In 2018, the victim, working as a civilian employee at the jail, was supervised by the defendant, former Adams County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Michael Benson. The victim testified that between February and July of that year, Benson spent an unusual amount of time with her at work and that his conduct included dirty jokes, flirting, and inappropriate comments in the workplace. The victim testified that the defendant became more aggressive, leading to the conduct encompassed by the charges in this case, including touching her intimate parts, forcing her to touch his penis, and ultimately digitally penetrating her.
The victim testified that she was desperate to become an Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy, and she was attempting to gain entry into the academy when these incidents occurred. The victim said she was fearful that speaking out could damage her ability to become an academy cadet.
ACSO Internal Affairs eventually became aware of the incidents involving the victim in this case, and members of the IA team contacted her in September of 2018. Benson was terminated by the Sheriff’s Office. The criminal case was investigated by the Commerce City and Brighton Sexual Assault Task Force.
“Mr. Benson used his position of power to force himself upon a subordinate and sexually assault her," said District Attorney Brian Mason. "Such a crime is outrageous on its face, but it is particularly reprehensible coming from a Sheriff’s Deputy. We will not tolerate this behavior. My office will prosecute those who commit these crimes without fear or favor, including when it occurs in a jail by a member of law enforcement. I applaud the victim for her courage in coming forward and am grateful to the jury for returning a just verdict.”
On Monday, January 31, 2022, an Adams County Jury convicted Michael Benson of three counts including,
Benson will be sentenced on April 7, 2022, at 9:00am. Chief Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Fritts and Chief Deputy District Attorney Rhoda Pilmer led the prosecution of this case.
Go Back In 2018, the victim, working as a civilian employee at the jail, was supervised by the defendant, former Adams County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Michael Benson. The victim testified that between February and July of that year, Benson spent an unusual amount of time with her at work and that his conduct included dirty jokes, flirting, and inappropriate comments in the workplace. The victim testified that the defendant became more aggressive, leading to the conduct encompassed by the charges in this case, including touching her intimate parts, forcing her to touch his penis, and ultimately digitally penetrating her.
The victim testified that she was desperate to become an Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy, and she was attempting to gain entry into the academy when these incidents occurred. The victim said she was fearful that speaking out could damage her ability to become an academy cadet.
ACSO Internal Affairs eventually became aware of the incidents involving the victim in this case, and members of the IA team contacted her in September of 2018. Benson was terminated by the Sheriff’s Office. The criminal case was investigated by the Commerce City and Brighton Sexual Assault Task Force.
“Mr. Benson used his position of power to force himself upon a subordinate and sexually assault her," said District Attorney Brian Mason. "Such a crime is outrageous on its face, but it is particularly reprehensible coming from a Sheriff’s Deputy. We will not tolerate this behavior. My office will prosecute those who commit these crimes without fear or favor, including when it occurs in a jail by a member of law enforcement. I applaud the victim for her courage in coming forward and am grateful to the jury for returning a just verdict.”
On Monday, January 31, 2022, an Adams County Jury convicted Michael Benson of three counts including,
- Sex Assault—Overcome Victim’s Will (F4)
- Unlawful Sexual Contact—(M1) (2 counts)
Benson will be sentenced on April 7, 2022, at 9:00am. Chief Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Fritts and Chief Deputy District Attorney Rhoda Pilmer led the prosecution of this case.
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District Attorney Mason assumed the oath of office on January 12, 2021. The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office endeavors to seek justice on behalf of the citizens of Adams and Broomfield counties in felony and misdemeanor cases. DA Mason and his staff are dedicated to transforming the criminal justice system to better serve the citizens of the 17th Judicial District.