A longtime Colorado Springs policeman described as a “nice fellow” was arrested Thursday on suspicion of felony theft and felony forgery.

Police Sgt. James “Angelo” Butierres, 53, is accused of stealing grant funds.

“The arrest of an officer has an impact not only on department members, but our community as well,” police Chief Pete Carey said in a statement. “It will be handled in the same manner and with the same integrity as every other investigation.”

Butierres oversaw the police department’s Motor Vehicle Theft Unit and the unit’s grant funds, police said.

About a week ago, police identified a possible theft by an employee and launched a criminal investigation.

“Probable cause was established for an arrest relating to time and labor issues and funds associated with a motor vehicle theft grant,” police said.

Police said the case will be presented to the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Butierres has been placed on administrative leave with pay, police said.

“If and when felony charges are filed, the administrative leave will be without pay,” police said.

Police provided few details about the allegations against Butierres, including how much money was allegedly stolen and when or how it occurred. Police said no additional information or statements would be released because the case is active.

Dave Henrichsen, president of the Colorado Springs Police Protective Association, said the association is providing Butierres with legal representation.

“He’s a member of the Police Protective Association, so we provided him with an attorney,” he said. “From that point, it’s an ongoing police investigation. I don’t know anything. I don’t want to know anything.”

Henrichsen said he felt “stung” by the news of the arrest.

“I don’t know what to say. I’ve been a cop for 23 years, and it’s just one of those things,” he said.

Henrichsen said he’s known Butierres most of his career.

“We served in a unit together. He was in canine, and I was in park police, and we overlapped in the Special Response Team,” he said.

“We always got along great,” he added. “He’s a good guy. I like Angelo. Nice fellow.”

—

Contact Daniel Chacón: 476-1623

Twitter @danieljchacon

Facebook Daniel Chacon

James Butierres Photo by Colorado Springs Police Department