Greeley, CO – A Detentions Deputy with the Weld County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) has been arrested following disturbing allegations of engaging in sexual activity with an inmate while on duty. Authorities have identified the deputy as 30-year-old Jacob Golden, who was taken into custody on July 15, 2025, and is now facing two felony counts of Sexual Conduct in a Correctional Facility by an Employee.
According to the WCSO, the allegations came to light on July 15 when a fellow inmate reported the conduct to another detention deputy. An immediate internal investigation was launched, and detectives soon determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed with charges.
The alleged incidents are said to have occurred over a three-day span between July 12 and July 14, 2025, while Golden was on duty at the Weld County Jail. Though details remain limited to protect the identities of those involved, investigators confirmed that the allegations involve a female inmate currently incarcerated at the facility.
Longtime Employee, Now Under Scrutiny
Jacob Golden had worked at the jail for four years and was regarded as a routine fixture within the detention division. He has since been placed on unpaid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the criminal investigation and potential internal disciplinary actions. The Weld County Sheriff’s Office made clear that it is cooperating fully with the investigation and that Golden is no longer permitted access to the facility or any of its operations.
In a statement released to the media, the WCSO said:
“The Weld County Sheriff’s Office holds its deputies to the highest professional and ethical standards. Allegations of this nature are taken extremely seriously, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability as this case moves forward.”
Community and Institutional Impact
Sexual contact between corrections staff and inmates is a serious breach of both ethical and legal boundaries, particularly under Colorado law, where consent is not recognized in such cases due to the inherent power imbalance in correctional settings. Colorado statutes treat sexual conduct by an employee in a correctional facility as a felony, regardless of the circumstances.
While no additional victims have been identified at this time, the investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of further charges or disciplinary actions if more information comes to light. WCSO detectives continue to conduct interviews and review internal surveillance footage and activity logs from the days in question.
A System Under Scrutiny
This case raises important questions about oversight, staff conduct, and safety protocols within the Weld County Jail system. Advocates for incarcerated individuals have called for independent monitoring and enhanced training to prevent abuse and protect vulnerable populations.
Local officials and law enforcement leaders have expressed their disappointment and emphasized the importance of public trust in the criminal justice system.
“It’s disheartening when someone in a position of public service and authority violates that trust,” said a spokesperson from the Colorado Department of Corrections. “These actions are not only criminal, they damage the integrity of the entire system.”
Next Steps
Jacob Golden was booked following his arrest and is expected to appear in Weld County court later this week to face formal charges. The Weld County District Attorney’s Office has not yet announced whether bail will be offered.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact WCSO investigators directly. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers.
As the legal proceedings move forward, Weld County officials say they remain committed to upholding justice—not only for the community, but also for those within their care.
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