DENVER -- A Denver sheriff's deputy accused of slapping a colleague on the butt was suspended for 45 days after the co-worker reported he was "humiliated" by the incident.

The incident occurred on Aug. 30 last year but allegations against Deputy Bobby Rogers were recently made public by Denver Career Service officials who suspended him.

Deputy Francisco Hernandez said Rogers "slapped him hard on the buttocks" after he leaned over a desk to get his keys. Hernandez said the slap was followed by crass comments and laughter from other deputies who witnessed it.

According to documents released and obtained by a local newspaper, Rogers told Hernandez, "If you're going to stick it out, I'm going to hit it."

They were all in a small office at the county jail, known as the control center cage.

Rogers denied the allegation and his attorney called his suspension "asinine."

"It's gross overkill. It's like executing somebody for blowing their nose and not washing their hands," attorney Derek Cole told the Rocky Mountain News.

Deputy Safety Manager Mary Malatesta "believed (Rogers) slapped Hernandez in a playful mood, with no malicious intent," according to documents uncovered by the News.

But Valerie McNaughton, the Career Service hearing officer, ruled that "the force of the blow" from the "much larger" Rogers "rendered it an assault."

Rogers, an eight-year veteran who makes roughly $56,000 a year, appealed the suspension but lost.

Career Service officials said Hernandez resigned after the incident.