Weld County deputy arrested on child abuse, assault charges

WELD COUNTY, Colo. – A Weld County sheriff’s deputy was arrested Tuesday on felony assault and misdemeanor child abuse charges and has been placed on unpaid leave.

The deputy, 32-year-old Derek Kinch, most recently worked in the courts division of the sheriff’s office, and has been a deputy in Weld County since 2008.

The sheriff’s office first found out about the possible child abuse involving its own deputy early on July 21, it said. The alleged abuse happened at a home in the 11000 block of Montgomery Circle—near Longmont in unincorporated Weld County.

Since Kinch’s arrest affidavit wasn’t available Tuesday, there are few details surrounding the case currently available. The sheriff’s office says that Kinch was allegedly involved in “ongoing child abuse.”

Kinch was arrested Tuesday around 7 p.m. on second-degree assault and child abuse charges.

He also faces an internal investigation by the sheriff’s office, and has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending an outcome in his criminal case.

The sheriff’s office says the investigation remains ongoing and asks anyone with information on the case to call 970-356-4015.