Aurora police have zero tolerance for misconduct

Chief voices confidence despite two officers’ legal woes

The Aurora police chief issued a public statement Friday in response to the recent legal troubles of two of his officers.

Leland Anthony Silver, an Aurora detective, was charged Thursday with first-degree official misconduct, according to court records filed in Arapahoe County District Court.

Specific information about Silver alleged violation was unavailable Friday.

According to the criminal complaint, he allegedly committed “an act relating to his office” in an “unauthorized” way in violation of law and/or rules regulating his office between May 8 and May 13 of 2015.

Earlier this week, Aurora police officer Matthew A. Ewert was arrested on suspicion of multiple felonies, including attempts to influence a public servant and tampering with physical evidence.

Ewert’s case was filed in Boulder County and involves a criminal investigation of a juvenile, Ewert’s nephew, who allegedly threatened another juvenile with a Glock handgun loaded with hollow point bullets.

“In the past few days two employees of the Aurora Police Department have been placed in the spotlight because of allegations of serious misconduct,” said Chief Nick Metz. “These incidents are unrelated and entirely coincidental.”

Metz said his department is made up of nearly 1,000 men and women who work tirelessly in an ethical and professional manner to keep the city and its residents safe.

“The Aurora Police Department will not tolerate misconduct and there are mechanisms in place which aim to reaffirm a culture of accountability,” Metz said.

“And in those rare situations where our officers actually cross that ethical line, they are held accountable for their actions.”

Metz said he’s proud of his department and of the work it does.