Park County Sheriff Files Defamation Lawsuit Against County Manager

Park County Sheriff, Undersheriff File Defamation Lawsuit Against County Manager

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the small mountain community of Fairplay, Colorado, Park County Sheriff Tom McGraw, Undersheriff Steve Spodyak, and Spodyak’s wife Katie have filed a lawsuit against County Manager Lucas Meyer, accusing him of spreading false and damaging allegations about them.

“This has crossed the line,” said Katie Spodyak in an interview with Denver7 Investigates.

Court documents filed in February detail serious accusations against Meyer, who allegedly told a sheriff’s deputy that Undersheriff Spodyak had physically abused his wife and that Sheriff McGraw covered up the incident. The lawsuit further claims Meyer accused Spodyak of “embezzling county funding” and alleged McGraw had received “kickbacks” from a former county manager.

All three plaintiffs categorically deny these allegations.

“I just about fell out of my chair. It was such a wild tale. I was astounded,” McGraw said, describing his reaction when he first heard about the statements allegedly made by Meyer.

“Steve has never hurt me. He’s never raised a hand to me. There’s never been any domestic violence in our household ever,” Katie Spodyak emphatically stated.

The sheriff contends that Meyer, in his position as county manager, had the resources to verify whether any of these claims were true before repeating them. “As a county manager, he can verify, he can look in the records to verify that this ever happened and he never did,” McGraw said.

The timing of the lawsuit holds particular significance as Park County approaches an election for a new sheriff later this year. McGraw has announced his retirement, and Spodyak is running to replace him. This political context adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious situation in the county’s leadership.

The plaintiffs say the allegations have taken a substantial emotional toll on them and their families. During the interview, Spodyak became visibly emotional when discussing the impact of the allegations on his loved ones. “It’s hurtful. And it’s not something I ever thought I would have to defend against,” his wife added.

For the plaintiffs, the lawsuit is primarily about clearing their names and establishing accountability. “I hope that the outcome is that my name is cleared and that my wife’s name is cleared and that Sheriff McGraw’s name is cleared,” Spodyak said.

Meyer has denied the claims in his court response and has countered that the plaintiffs have made statements that were “objectively improper with no proof.” When contacted by Denver7 Investigates, Meyer declined an on-camera interview. His attorney provided a statement saying, “Mr. Meyer will not comment on the allegations or the merits outside of court.”

The case highlights tensions within Park County’s government and raises questions about professional conduct among public officials. Small communities like Fairplay, with a population of fewer than 1,000 residents, can be particularly vulnerable to the rapid spread of rumors and allegations, which can quickly damage reputations.

McGraw insists the public deserves transparency about the situation. “This is important to get out. You know, people need to know what’s going on,” he said, directing a pointed message to Meyer: “You’re a liar, you should not be doing this, and you need to do what is right.”

The lawsuit is proceeding through the court system as the community watches closely. With the upcoming sheriff election on the horizon, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for Park County’s leadership and governance in the months ahead.

No court date has been announced yet for when this case will be heard.