Adams County deputy alleges credible harassment by elected treasurer; commissioners pledge follow-up

A deputy with the Adams County Sheriff's Office testified at public comment on Jan. 13 that a third-party investigator found complaints against elected treasurer Alex Villagran credible and described multiple incidents of inappropriate behavior toward county employees.

Deputy Tran told the board that on Dec. 5, 2025 complaints against Villagran were found credible by an outside investigator and described repeated inappropriate conduct, including instances she said involved unwelcome physical proximity and apparent attempts to photograph employees. "Silence is what allows it to continue," Tran told commissioners, and she asked the board to adopt policies so the misconduct would not recur.

Commissioners publicly thanked Deputy Tran for speaking and said they take the allegations seriously. Several commissioners emphasized the limits of the board’s authority over independently elected offices: they can make public requests and hold elected officials accountable politically, but they do not directly supervise another elected official’s office. Still, commissioners said they had repeatedly advised the treasurer to step down and that they would continue to pursue that request and to review the dates and documents Tran provided.

Commissioner Pinter said the deputy’s courage to come forward was "not a small thing," and Commissioner Baca said the board would continue to review the independent investigator’s findings and internal policies to better protect employees. Commissioner Henson said the board would look closely at the dates and responses Tran described and do "everything in our power" within legal limits to improve workplace safety.

The allegation and the deputies’ testimony were presented in public comment and the board’s responses were commitments to follow up and to review policies; the meeting transcript did not include documentary evidence of the investigator’s full report nor any formal removal or disciplinary action taken by the board during the session.