GOLDEN, Colo. — The former police chief of the Lakeside Police Department, Robert Gordanier, has pleaded guilty to embezzling public property and first-degree official misconduct for crimes committed during his tenure as mayor, police chief, and fire chief between July 2019 and November 2023.
As part of a plea agreement, Gordanier was sentenced for his actions while in a position of public trust. Other charges were dismissed in exchange for his plea.
Gordanier’s daughter and co-defendant, Brenda Hamilton, faces 10 counts related to the scheme and has pleaded not guilty. According to prosecutors, Hamilton bought police vehicles from the town at significantly reduced prices, then resold them for thousands of dollars in profit.
The first incident occurred in July 2021, when Hamilton purchased a Dodge Charger from the town for $500, despite its market value being $8,588. The car was later sold to a third party.
In September 2021, Hamilton bought a Ford Fusion from the town for $1,000 after the town received a discounted offer from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. The Fusion was sold for $12,000.
A Chevrolet Tahoe was allegedly sold to Hamilton in September 2022 for either $300 or given to her, after which it was resold for $6,000 to $7,000.
Gordanier approved all three transactions, authorities said.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Darren Kafka described Gordanier’s actions as a “significant breach of public trust” that undermined confidence in government institutions and law enforcement.
As part of his sentence, Gordanier received four years of supervised probation for embezzlement and was ordered to pay $26,088 in restitution to the Town of Lakeside. The official misconduct charge also resulted in a four-year probation sentence, but Gordanier will be permanently convicted of the crime.
A critical condition of Gordanier’s probation is that he is barred from holding any public office or participating in public trust employment, including roles as mayor, councilmember, or peace officer, for the duration of his probation.
Brenda Hamilton’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 29.
