The case against Loveland Police Officer Wilbert Howard has been dismissed, according to the Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office. In November 2023, Howard was arrested and faced accusations of second-degree assault and child abuse.
CBS News Colorado was informed by the DA’s office that a Fort Collins Police Services investigation was presented to the DA with probable cause. During the course of the investigation, it was noted that the victim’s account gradually began to closely resemble Mr. Howard’s version of events.
The DA’s office concluded that it was unlikely for Howard to be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a jury.
Howard was accused of assaulting his child following a disagreement about their academic performance. He had initially denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
“Mr. Howard maintained his innocence throughout this process and believed firmly that he would have prevailed at trial,” Howard’s attorney said in an email statement. “He will never get the time back that he spent fighting to prove his innocence, but knows that the right conclusion was reached. Mr. Howard is looking forward to returning to his life as it existed before this process started, both personally and professionally.”
A hearing has been scheduled for September 19 to determine whether the case will be sealed and expunged from his criminal record.
