Detention Deputy Who Drank Before Firearms Training Terminated by Lincoln County

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Cory Bantock drank an alcohol “shooter” before traveling to firearms training on Aug. 12, according to an internal investigation, and lied to supervising deputies about it.

Part way through the training, the investigation states that a corporal “detected an odor consistent with an alcoholic beverage” coming from Bantock’s person. A sergeant reported the same and, together with Bantock’s supervisor, asked him if he had consumed alcohol to which he said he had not.

A breath test revealed a BAC of 0.038.

The investigation continues that Bantock admitted to drinking before arriving to the firing range, specifically stating that Bantock admitted to consuming “a shooter of liquor on your way to the range” to “’calm your nerves.’”

Supervisors took away Bantock’s firearm and drove him to his home, leaving Bantock’s car at the firing range.

Multiple interal policy violations were sustained against him including intoxicants; drug and alcohol-free workplace; fitness for duty; safety; law, rules and orders; and truthfulness.

The investigation also states that the agency is specifically considering whether Bantock’s actions can be considered criminal based on Colorado Statute Prohibited Use of a Weapon. There is no mention of criminal consideration for his “traveling” to the firearms range in his vehicle having consumed alcohol beforehand.

Bantock was terminated on Aug. 13 after being hired on March 1.