Former Arapahoe County Sheriff Patrick Sullivan's bond was reduced from $500,000 to $50,000 during a procedural hearing Dec. 5.

The judge decided to lessen the amount largely because of Sullivan's decorated history in law enforcement and the military. Sullivan was named national sheriff of the year in 2001 and received widespread attention in 1989 for saving the lives of two deputies.

If he posts bail, Sullivan will not be allowed to be in possession of alcohol or firearms and cannot contact any witnesses in the case.

The Dec. 5 court date centered on the formal reading of charges. Sullivan, 68, faces one felony count each of distribution of a controlled substance, attempt to influence a public servant and possession of methamphetamine. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of solicitation of a prostitute. If convicted, he would face between one and six years in prison.

Agents from the South Metro Drug Task Force arrested Sullivan on Nov. 29 after he was observed trying to trade meth for a sexual encounter with an adult male who was acting as a confidential informant, according to police. The arrest was the result of a two-week investigation that began Nov. 17.

The Cherry Creek School District issued a statement Dec. 2 confirming that in 2007, Sullivan provided a recommendation for Sean Moss, a man who was later found dead in the Platte River with meth in his system. Moss worked at Overland High School for 13 days. Sullivan served as the district's security director from 2002 until 2008, after retiring from the sheriff's office.

Sullivan next will be in court for a preliminary hearing Jan. 31. The judge on Dec. 5 also ordered participants in the case not to comment publicly. The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office is spearheading an ongoing investigation and it is possible more charges may be added.