FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS DANGEROUS FOR COURTS
DENVER (AP) – Colorado’s chief federal judge is warning the state’s congressional delegation that public safety could be endangered if court funding cuts are not reversed. The federal cuts went into effect on March 1 after several years of stable funding. The Denver Post reports Chief Judge Marcia Krieger says the cuts have resulted in reduced court staffs, furloughs and reduced funding for probation officers.
HICKENLOOPER HAS RECALL ISSUES
DENVER (AP) – The Colorado Supreme Court is considering a question from Gov. John Hickenlooper on whether voters in two legislative recalls have to vote “yes” or “no” first on the recall to have their votes for a successor validated. The court said interested parties may submit arguments on the matter by this morning.
CRAIG DOCTOR LINKED TO PRESCRIPTION DRUG DEATHS
GRAND JUNCTION (AP) – A Craig doctor accused of improperly dispensing drugs that led to the deaths of two patients is behind bars. Joel Miller was arrested yesterday in Steamboat Springs on charges of health care fraud, money laundering and distributing and dispensing controlled substances. He’s scheduled to appear in federal court in Grand Junction tomorrow. Miller says he’s the victim of a witch hunt.
SUMMIT COUNTY JAIL DEATH
BRECKENRIDGE. (AP) – Authorities say no charges will be filed against jail officers after a 33-year-old Leadville man died at the Summit County Jail while deputies were trying to stop him from harming himself. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office said Zackary Moffitt collapsed and was taken to a hospital last month. He was taken off life support at the request of his family.
