Ex-undersheriff says PTSD led to drugs

 A former Glacier County undersheriff says post-traumatic stress disorder led to drug abuse and his inability to continue in his job.

Jeff Fauque was charged in October 2010 with entering a house to steal prescription drugs. He has pleaded not guilty and claimed later his disability benefits were denied.

Fauque was a deputy and coroner based in Cut Bank for 15 years.

The Independent Record of Helena reports Fauque has sued, saying the denial of benefits was “erroneous.”

Attorney Ben Snipes says the Montana Sheriff’s Retirement System turned its back on him.

Snipes says Fauque witnessed numerous horrifying events while doing his job.

A hearing officer previously ruled Fauque quit the sheriff’s office not because of his claimed disability but because he was caught trying to obtain drugs.