DENVER - The man chosen to be Denver's temporary Sheriff was once charged with a felony, 9Wants to Know has learned.
Online records from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation show Elias Diggins was arrested in 1996 on a felony charge of bribery.
The records show Diggins eventually pleaded guilty to a lower charge of false reporting, a misdemeanor. Details of the case aren't immediately available.
Diggins is temporarily serving as sheriff after Gary Wilson stepped down from the position Monday amid numerous excessive force scandals.
Diggins explained the charge stems from a lie he told in court at age 23. After a car crash in 1996, he admits he lied to a judge about having car insurance. He eventually pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor of false reporting.
Diggins said this happened 18 years ago and that it was a "foolish decision" and that he still "regrets that decision."
He said he has nothing else on his record.
The mayor said earlier the city will be doing a nationwide search for a new sheriff.
(KUSA-TV © 2014 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)
