Growing state review of 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
A finding by the state Crime Victim Services Advisory Board that the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office under DA Alonzo Payne has “repeatedly violated the Victim Rights Act” is “extremely troubling,” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said Wednesday.
“Our state constitution and laws protect crime victims and give them important rights,” Weiser said in a released statement. “I am grateful to the Crime Victim Services Advisory Board for its dedication to ensuring that crime victims receive these protections and that any failures to follow the law are addressed.”
The state Crime Victim Services Advisory Board forwarded four complaints to Gov. Jared Polis for the attorney general to file suit to enforce compliance with the Victims Rights Act. The Crime Victim Services Advisory Board is still reviewing four additional complaints against the district attorney’s office.
“On Feb. 14, 2022, the Board referred complaints against the District Attorney’s Office of the 12th Judicial District to the Governor in order to request that the Attorney General file suit to enforce compliance with the VRA as mandated in C.R.S. 24-4.1-303(17). This is the first time in the 30-year history of the Victim Rights Act that the board has made such a referral, and that reflects the seriousness of this matter,” the state victims rights advisory board said in a statement.
“We commend the caring, careful and methodical work of the VRA subcommittee and the CVSAB in their dedication to protecting the rights of victims, and we are grateful for the commitment of the Attorney General’s office to achieve a solution that will honor the rights of victims.”
Weiser is also handling a formal complaint filed by the Rocky Mountain Victims Law Center.
“My office will work to ensure that the district attorney’s office fully complies with the law—either by securing the district attorney’s agreement to a strong corrective plan or by seeking a court order that will require that office to follow the law,” Weiser said. “Any solution we obtain will need to involve independent, effective, and enforceable oversight, with significant penalties for additional failures or non-compliance.
“As this process goes forward, we will remain focused on honoring the needs of crime victims and ensuring that their rights are protected.”
Adams State Gives Day
raises nearly $194,000
The talent was fun to watch and the audience responded. The Third Annual Adams State Gives Day yielded nearly $194,000 for Adams State on Tuesday night. The evening was filled with cool performances from student Aaron Corona singing “Come Dance With Me” and legendary alum Freddie Jaquez playing the guitar.
Alamosa County and Alamosa Schools
in negotiation on building
Alamosa County and Alamosa Schools are negotiating over the sale of a building the county is selling located off Hwy 285 behind the Alamosa County Detention Center, according to County Administrator Roni Wisdom.
The school district has several needs that the building could accommodate, said Alamosa Schools Superintendent Diana Jones, from a daycare for children of employees, alternative educational space, office space, or a combination of uses.
Correction: In a Daily Report news item published Wednesday we misidentified the Alamosa Education Association. It is the teachers union for school district teachers. The AEA earlier this week sent out a survey to get feedback on a four-day school week. Our apologies for the error.
