Arapahoe County Detention Deputy Terminated, Arrested for Alleged Sexual Misconduct with Inmate

Kevin Tracy, 37, exchanged sexual notes and inappropriately touched a female inmate

Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy Kevin Lacy, 37, was arrested Tuesday on charges of sexual conduct in a correctional institution — a felony — and official misconduct involving a female inmate.

According to the arrest affidavit, a detention clerk found handwritten notes in outgoing inmate mail they deemed suspicious. Higher ups found references to potential blind spots in the facility’s camera system and other details leading them to believe the writer was a deputy.

Deputies interviewed the female inmate who stated she began exchanging handwritten notes with Tracy in May. She said the notes began by saying they were attracted to each other and escalated to describing explicit sexual acts and discussing where and when cameras may not be looking so they might not be caught together.

The affidavit describes camera footage showing Tracy inappropriately touching the inmate and showing her a photo of himself naked.

According to an Arapahoe County news release, the sheriff’s office learned of the allegations on Sept. 25 and Tracy was placed on paid administrative leave on Sept. 28. The female inmate was transferred to another jail, according to the same news release.

“Deputy Lacy's conduct does not reflect the character, integrity or professional standards of this agency,” Sheriff Tyler Brown said in a statement. “Holding our employees accountable when they fail to uphold the standards expected of them is essential to maintaining the public's trust. We will continue to cooperate fully with the judicial process.”