COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) A deputy sheriff with the El Paso County Sheriffs Office is facing felony charges after allegedly distributing contraband throughout the facility.

The Sheriffs Office said in November 2025, they started a months-long investigation including multiple search warrants.

They say 29-year-old Nicholas Guerrette allegedly transferred contraband and illicit drugs between people incarcerated at the El Paso County jail while he was on duty.

Guerrette was placed on paid administrative leave on August 5, 2026 and he was arrested October 29 and was put on unpaid administrative leave.

According to the sheriffs office, he was transported to the Teller County Jail, and booked on thirteen felony and nine misdemeanor charges, including:

Unlawful Distribution, Manufacturing, Dispensing, or Sale of a Controlled Substance

Possession with Intent to Distribute

Possession of Contraband Official Misconduct

Possession of Contraband (Conspiracy)

As Sheriff, I take our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability very seriously, said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. I will not allow the actions of a bad actor to tarnish the badge or undermine the trust of our community. Anyone who violates this trust will be held accountable. Our responsibility is to protect every community member, whether they are incarcerated or living in our neighborhoods.

Hes being held in the Teller County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) A toddler who had been missing since November 2025 has been found safe and returned to their custodial parent.

The El Paso County Sheriffs Office said they were notified of a suspected custody violation of a court order involving a toddler. The childs mother, 30-year-old Aleyha Murphy didnt comply with the court order and didnt return the child, according to EPSO.

Deputies say several attempts to find Murphy and the child were unsuccessful.

Colorado Springs Police found and arrested Murphy August 22, 2026. She was booked into the El Paso County Jail for violation a custody order, according to EPSO. She was released on a $2,000 bond but the toddler was not with her.

The Sheriffs Office said September 9, 2026, they executed a search warrant at Murphys residence on Rubicon Drive in unincorporated El Paso County. They said they found an address of interest in Aurora, Colorado associated with the childs grandfather.

They said they contacted the Aurora Police Departments Fugitives and Narcotics Unit which helped to confirm the childs location.

A SWAT team was called out and the child was recovered on October 8.

The childs grandfather, 54-year-old David McGhee was arrested and booked into the El Paso County Jail. He is charged with second-degree kidnapping, attempt to influence a public servant, and harboring a minor. He was released on a $3,000 bond.

The child was returned to the custodial parent.

I want to thank our detectives for their diligence, persistence, and commitment throughout this investigation to ensure the child was safely found and reunited with their custodial parent, said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Aurora Police Department, Denver Metro SWAT, and all our partner agencies who provided invaluable assistance and resources. Their collaboration and dedication were instrumental in bringing this case to a safe resolution and ensuring the childs well-being.

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A gunman shot at Custer County Sheriffs Office deputies from inside a residence northeast of Westcliffe on Wednesday, according to the sheriffs office.

The shooting, which happened around 11:15 a.m. on Rocky Ridge Road, forced people in a 5-mile radius to shelter in place, according to Sheriff Rich Smith. No injuries have been reported.

Smith said that just over an hour earlier, a call came in about a man blocking the road with his vehicle.

Smith said that the sheriffs office has been in crisis negotiations with the suspect since the shooting earlier Wednesday morning.

As of 2:55 p.m., negotiations continue; however, the man continues to fire from the home, according to the Custer County Sheriff's Office.

According to our crew in the area Silver Circle Drive is blocked at Custer County Road 255.

This is a developing story and will be updated. The Scripps News Group has a crew in the area working to learn more.