LEADVILLE, Colo. – A deputy accused of Tasering about 30 high school students has resigned.
John Ortega was at a Lake County High School career fair April 8 when students allegedly asked him to use his stun gun on them, reports the Denver Post. Ortega used the less-lethal weapon, which delivers an electric shock, on the students’ legs. As a result, some students were burned and at least one was treated at a nearby hospital.
Lake County District Attorney Mark Hulbert said Ortega used poor judgment by granting the students’ requests. Hulbert has not determined whether or not Ortega will face charges.
Ortega, who has been employed with the Sheriff’s office since 2008, cited personal reasons as grounds for his resignation. He resigned a day after he was eligible to return to work after receiving a week of unpaid suspension for the incident.
School officials sent out a letter on the day of the incident, asking parents to report if their child had been Tasered, and to seek treatment if needed.
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