Former Aurora Officer Charged with Official Misconduct and DUI
A former Aurora police officer, Michael James Gallagher, has been charged with official misconduct and driving under the influence. The charges stem from an incident where he allegedly consumed drugs seized as evidence and was later found unresponsive in his…
Denver, CO, August 19, 2026 —
Michael James Gallagher, a former officer with the Aurora Police Department, faces charges of official misconduct and driving under the influence (DUI). The charges are linked to an incident involving alleged consumption of confiscated evidence and subsequent discovery of the officer unresponsive in his vehicle.
Details surrounding the timeline of events leading to the charges were not immediately available. The official misconduct charge suggests an abuse of power or violation of duties while serving as a law enforcement officer. The DUI charge indicates allegations of operating a vehicle while impaired.
The incident reportedly involved drugs that had been seized as evidence in other cases. Following the alleged consumption of these substances, Gallagher was found unresponsive. Further details regarding the exact date of the incident, the specific types of drugs involved, and the circumstances under which he was found were not provided in the initial reports.
The Aurora Police Department has not released further information regarding the internal investigation or disciplinary actions taken prior to Gallagher’s departure from the force. The contractor’s name involved in any related administrative or investigative processes was not provided.
The resolution of the charges and any potential legal proceedings are pending. The outcome of the case will depend on the evidence presented and the legal process.
Story summarized from the original created by Robert Garrison on www.denver7.com, see more information here.
