Fort Collins police officer fired; charged with stalking

Fort Collins police officer was fired following an investigation that determined he used agency resources to discover where a woman worked and lived.

Jarett Edgar Branson, 29, was fired immediately Tuesday when the Larimer County District Attorney's Office charged him with stalking, first-degree criminal trespass and official misconduct. He was hired Jan. 6 and completed a 16-week field training program.

An unidentified Fort Collins woman reported "inappropriate behavior" by Branson to the agency, prompting a criminal investigation. The woman said Branson contacted her multiple times at her work and home while he was on duty, the agency announced Tuesday.

Branson was placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation's outcome. Charges were presented to the District Attorney's Office, and Branson was arrested Tuesday.

Spokesman and Deputy Chief Cory Christensen said Branson was called in for an interview at the Fort Collins Police Services building, 2221 S. Timberline Road, and arrested about 4 p.m. He was "very cooperative," Christensen said.

When asked whether Branson had a relationship with the woman, Christensen said: "There wasn't one." He said Branson encountered the woman during activities and "tried to initiate a relationship with her."

While Christensen declined to elaborate further, he did say their meeting wasn't connected to a criminal investigation.

Before coming to FCPS, Christensen said Branson worked as a police officer in Butte, Montana.

In 2011, a Jarett Branson was one of two officers to receive the department's award for going above and beyond the call of duty to help victims of domestic and sexual abuse, according to reporting by The Montana Standard.

Although it's believed this is an isolated incident, those with additional information about Branson are encouraged to call Fort Collins Police Services Internal Affairs at (970) 221-6831.

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