A former Durango Police Department officer was arrested Monday on suspicion of sexually assaulting a child in Larimer County, which is on the Front Range.
Dylan Miller, 28, worked for the Durango Police Department for about one year and eight months, from September 2020 to May 2022. He resigned to take a job with the Loveland Police Department, which is in Larimer County, according to a news release from the city of Durango.
He was arrested by the Loveland Police Department on suspicion of four felonies and two misdemeanors, including kidnapping, sex assault on a child in a position of trust, unlawful sexual conduct by a peace officer, sex assault, official misconduct and official oppression, according to the release.
During a news conference Monday, Loveland Chief of Police Tim Doran said a 15-year-old girl and her family notified the police department on Oct. 23 that an on-duty Loveland police officer sexually assaulted her in July at the North Lake Park in Loveland.
“She could distinctly remember his face but never knew his name,” Doran said.
After an interview with investigators, the girl and her family were connected with the Crawford Child Advocacy Center, which specializes in conducting forensic interviews of children.
The interview took place on Oct. 26.
“As a result of this and other evidence gathered by LPD, investigators were able to determine the specific date and location where the contact reportedly occurred,” Doran said. “They also identified the suspected officer as Dylan Miller.”
Miller was placed on administrative leave on Oct. 27 as soon as he reported to work.
The case was investigated by the Larmier County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Human Services and District Attorney’s Office.
Larmier County Sheriff John Feyen said Miller initially made contact with the girl and several other people during a traffic stop in late July. He contacted the girl again that night for being in a park after-hours, Feyen said.
Miller, while on duty and in uniform, instructed the girl to walk with him to a secluded area of the park, Feyen said.
“It was at this location that he sexually assaulted her,” Feyen said during the news conference.
Feyen said investigators have body camera footage of the original traffic stop, but there is no body camera footage of Miller’s alleged interaction with the girl at the park.
Feyen said it appears to be a “happenstance” that Miller contacted the girl twice in the same night.
Law enforcement is unaware of any similar allegations against Miller, including during his tenure with DPD. But given the nature of the alleged crimes, Feyen said there is concern that other victims may be out there.
“If you or someone you know has been abused by this individual, we want to talk to you. We want to hear your story,” he said. “Please reach out to the Larmier County Sheriff’s Office so we can investigate this.”
Miller applied to the Loveland Police Department on March 1, 2022, and was hired on May 20, 2022, “under the previous administration,” Doran said.
When asked if Miller has had any other disciplinary issues with the Loveland Police Department, Doran said, “nothing of note.”
Doran said Miller remains innocent until proven guilty, “however, there is no place at the Loveland Police Department for this individual.”
“People who victimize children deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said. “Anyone who uses their badge to do so is a disgrace to this profession and should be rooted out.”
Doran said one of the overarching messages of the news conference was to inform people about Miller’s alleged behavior so that other potential victims might come forward.
While it took a few months for the girl to come forward, Feyen said it is not unusual for victims of sexual assault to take a while to report such crimes.
Durango Chief of Police Bob Brammer said the criminal behavior alleged is “intolerable,” especially when committed by a police officer or former police officer. He said the alleged behaviors do not reflect the values and dedication of DPD officers.
“Our profession is built on trust, integrity, and the commitment to protect and serve our community,” Brammer said in the release. “When one of our own deviates from these principles and preys on the vulnerable, it is a betrayal not only to the individuals involved but to the entire policing community.”
shane@durangoherald.com
