After serving 21 years with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Department in Colorado, Shannon Lofland has stepped down from her position. The 44-year-old law enforcement veteran, who worked as a driving instructor at the sheriff’s office, resigned on Tuesday following the discovery of her side job in the adult entertainment industry.

Lofland, who turned to streaming 18+ content to make ends meet, has opened up about the financial struggles that drove her decision.

WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE

“I was desperate and drowning,” she shared with CBS News. “But I found a legal and profitable way to keep a roof over my family’s head and food on the table.”

Breaking the Rules, Breaking the Silence

While Lofland acknowledges that her actions were against department policy, she expressed regret for not seeking approval for her part-time work.

“I knew this wasn’t something the sheriff’s office would approve of,” Lofland admitted. “By not disclosing my second job, I broke the rules, and I take full responsibility for that.”

The financial pressures that led to her decision were immense. Last year, a devastating hurricane caused significant damage to her home, resulting in repair costs nearing half a million dollars. Burdened by mounting debt, Lofland turned to the adult industry, where she quickly found financial relief.

In just one month of streaming and completing a handful of professional shoots, she managed to pay off her loan.

Public Reaction: Support and Criticism

Lofland’s resignation has sparked a heated debate online, with many rallying to her defense.

“She shouldn’t resign for making money legally on adult sites,” one user argued on social media.

Another praised her resourcefulness: “Smart move! Nothing to be ashamed of. Best wishes for your new career!”

A third added, “People should stay out of her personal life. She was trying to protect her family from homelessness.”

Despite the controversy, Lofland has also found unwavering support from her husband and close circles.

Reflecting on Her Career and Choices

Looking back, Lofland expressed deep pride in her two-decade career in law enforcement.

“I loved my job and was dedicated to my role in law enforcement,” she said. “But the reality is, many deputies are doing what they can to survive these days, whether or not they have official permission. It’s hard out here.”

While her resignation has ended her law enforcement career, Lofland’s journey reflects the challenges many Americans face in today’s economic climate.

No Comment from the Sheriff’s Office

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office has yet to make an official statement about Lofland’s resignation.

“This is an open investigation, and we cannot comment at this time,” a spokesperson for the office said.

As the debate continues, Lofland’s story has shined a light on the lengths people go to support their families and the fine line between personal decisions and professional responsibilities.