Married Denver Deputies Arrested, Accused of Assaulting Man in Wheelchair
Two Denver sheriff’s deputies — who are also husband and wife — were arrested last week after allegedly assaulting a paraplegic man while they were off duty, according to an arrest affidavit released by investigators.
Jason Gentempo, 44, and Carla Gentempo, 43, are each charged with third-degree assault on an at-risk adult, a felony under Colorado law. Though the name of the alleged victim was redacted, the report states he is wheelchair-bound and identified both suspects during a photo lineup.
The incident happened on Oct. 17 outside the man’s apartment building. According to the affidavit, the man said he was outside with his dog when one of the deputies told him to take the dog inside. What happened next is partially unclear due to redactions, but the victim told investigators that Carla punched him in the face with a closed fist and kicked him in the chest, knocking him backward out of his chair.
Security footage referenced in the report shows Jason striking the man as he fell out of frame, and later kicking and stomping on the victim’s phone. The affidavit says the couple then ran to a white truck they had left running nearby and quickly drove away.
After filing complaints, investigators interviewed the alleged victim, who picked both deputies out of a photo lineup and described the attack. Based on that identification and video evidence, warrants were issued for both Jason and Carla.
The pair were booked into the Downtown Denver Detention Center and later released on personal recognizance bonds. Court records do not list an attorney for Jason, and a message left for Carla’s attorney was not immediately returned.
According to the Denver Sheriff Department, Jason has been with the agency since 2005 and works at the Downtown Detention Center. Carla joined in 2010 and currently serves as a sergeant in the Administration Division. Both deputies have been placed on investigatory leave pending the outcome of the criminal case.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 29. If convicted, the Gentempos would lose their certification to serve as law enforcement officers in Colorado.
