LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. -- The Larimer County sheriff is accused of misusing taxpayer resources for the election that will see him replaced.

The chairman of the Larimer County Democratic Party filed the formal complaint with state elections officials, according to the Fort Collins Coloradoan.

The chairman, William Russell, said in his complaint to the secretary of state that Alderden used taxpayer-funded resources to send e-mails from his county account to the three men running to replace him to discuss a debate he would moderate.

The complaint included copies of the e-mails Alderden sent.

In one e-mail Alderden said of the debate, "I would moderate it. I'm tired of debates where candidates are asked questions and then are permitted to dodge them and just keep spinning their rhetoric."

The newspaper reported that Alderden has endorsed Justin Smith for the job. Smith is one of Alderden's subordinates.

In one of the e-mails, Alderden said to another candidate, "I give you my word I won't share the questions with Justin or anyone else and will really try to come up with fair and legitimate questions."

After concerns were raised, Alderden said Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle had agreed to moderate the debate.

Read the complaint and the e-mails on the Coloradoan's website.