According to police, co-accused Shawn Langley and Jane Cravens responded to an online advert listing the sheriff’s private SUV by offering their own home-grown cannabis in exchange for the vehicle.

Unfortunately, they didn’t know it belonged to Sheriff Jason Mikesell of Teller County, Colorado, who set up a sting operation with undercover detectives.

Recounting the story, Sheriff Mikesell told the Colorado Springs Gazette: “You want to know the truth? I saw that text, and I started giggling.”

Langley, 39, and Cravens, 41, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to sell and are charged with one misdemeanour and one felony.