Police officer accused of trying to sell pot seized during an investigation

ROCKY FORD, Colo. — A felony summons has been issued for an officer with the Rocky Ford Police Department (RFPD) who's accused of trying to sell one pound of marijuana that was confiscated as part of an investigation, the 16th Judicial District Attorney's Office announced.

James Lopez was charged Tuesday with distribution of a controlled substance and official misconduct stemming from an incident in southeast Colorado in December 2019, the DA's office said.

Rocky Ford is a small southeast Colorado town located about 165 driving miles from Denver.

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Lopez confiscated marijuana during the course of an active police investigation in the Rocky Ford area and later brought approximately one pound of pot to the home an acquaintance, prosecutors said.

He then packaged the drug for apparent distribution, according to the DA. He was placed on administrative leave by the RFPD last month.

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Lopez was issued a felony summons and is expected to appear in court at the Otero District Court in La Junta  March 30 at 11 a.m. A mugshot for Lopez is not yet available.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), RFPD and the 16th Judicial District Attorney’s Office are investigating.

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