A veteran law enforcement officer in Arapahoe County, Colorado, has resigned after her secret adult film career was revealed, revealing a deeply personal story of financial survival and difficult decisions.
Shannon Lofland, 44, has been a deputy sheriff for 21 years and talked about how terrible financial problems forced her to make an unusual choice. “I was drowning in debt,” she told CBS News, explaining why she made an adult film for a short time.
A terrible hailstorm in June 2023 damaged Lofland’s home and cost her $500,000 to fix. This was the start of her terrible financial luck. Her insurance would not pay for the repairs, and interest rates went through the roof, tripling her adjustable-rate mortgage and pushing her toward foreclosure.
A controversial solution
Facing mounting bills, debt collectors, and seemingly insurmountable financial challenges, Lofland made a controversial choice. “I found a legal, lucrative way to support my family and save our home,” she stated, revealing she participated in approximately six adult film scenes to generate income.
Departmental policies and consequences
When the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office found out about her other job, they started an internal investigation. Lofland admitted that she broke departmental rules when she did not get permission first to work in the adult film industry.
Lofland told the truth, “I knew it was against the rules and could be seen as living two lives at once.”
Lofland stressed how professional her short time in the adult film industry was, even though it was a hard choice for her. “No one forced or pushed me,” she said, adding that her husband supported her decision during a tough financial time.
Resignation and reflection
On Tuesday, Lofland resigned from her long-standing position, expressing deep love for her law enforcement career. “I’ve been dedicated and loyal. I truly loved my job and the lives I’ve been able to impact,” she said.
She also stepped down from her position on Colorado’s Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, marking the end of a distinguished public service career.
An uncertain future
Lofland is still not sure what she wants to do next, but she has not ruled out working in the adult film industry again. She said, “Some people might judge and say there are ‘better’ ways to make money, but at that moment, I had no other choice.”
Lofland’s story shows how the economy is getting harder for many Americans, whose stable jobs and finances are being tested by unexpected problems in their personal lives.