A very interesting piece from Don Coleman off KJCT News 8. Over Grand Junction way.
Sort of sounds like Sheriff Stan Hilkey's 'Evidence Based Decision Making Project'.
Don Coleman:
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Colorado's Attorney General's Office says it has been awarded additional funding to expand the program that exonerated Robert Dewey after 17 years in prison.
Since being convicted, Dewey tried to appeal through the justice system, but nothing ever came about until phase one of the Justice Review Project (JRP) that began in 2010.
It was a process that began back in 2009 when money suddenly became available at the federal level.
"There was a pool of money available for organizations and state offices and we applied for it," Julie Selsberg, Senior Assistant Attorney General for Colorado, said. "We were the only pure prosecution office to be awarded some of that` grant."
A total of 15 organizations from across the country were awarded funds by the National Institute of Justice. Colorado's were aimed at identifying cases in our state where DNA testing could potentially exonerate a wrongfully-convicted inmate.
Nearly 5,000 cases of murder, manslaughter, and sexual assault were screened state-wide without applications for review. Under the strict rules of the JRP, further eligibility would be determined.
First, only the cases of inmates who maintain a claim of innocence without ever admitting any degree of guilt would be screened. Then, someone from the Attorney General's Office would look at any and all court documents related to the case.
If the review passed those eyes, staff would contact the inmate, any witnesses, and all attorneys assigned to the case. Upon further screening, it would be up to a panel of investigators and attorneys to decide if DNA testing was needed to continue the process....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Showing posts with label Colorado U.S. Attorney John Walsh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colorado U.S. Attorney John Walsh. Show all posts
April 27, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: 7th Space " Greeley Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking"
News Release:
"DENVER—Miguel Angel Velasquez, aka “Outlaw,” age 28, of Greeley, Colorado, was sentenced this week by United States Circuit Court Judge David M Ebel to serve 192 months (16 years) in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and 50 kilograms or less of marijuana. Following his 16 year prison sentence, Velasquez was ordered to serve five years on supervised release.
On April 21, 2010, Velasquez and 12 other defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver. Velasquez pled guilty before Judge Ebel on April 21, 2011. He was sentenced on April 24, 2012.
The cases against co-defendants of Velasquez have been resolved with the exception of two, who remain fugitives.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, in October 2008, the Greeley Police Department and the Weld County Drug Task Force (WCDTF) was introduced to an investigative target by a confidential informant. The target, Miguel Velasquez, was selling ounce-type quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine and was also selling marijuana in pound quantities around the Greeley area. During the course of the investigation, a WCDTF Undercover Task Force Officer did a number of hand-to-hand transactions with Velasquez. As the investigation progressed, transactions between the defendant and the task force officer continued, with the amount of drugs being purchased increasing, including the sale of two ounces of cocaine, one quarter ounce of methamphetamine, and a firearm on September 29, 2009.
While working on the investigation, law enforcement agents and officers identified a number of out-of-state individuals from California and Texas border towns involved in the drug trafficking.
Specifically, law enforcement learned that Velasquez obtained his drugs through couriers or runners that he sent to California. Those couriers delivered money and brought back narcotics. Velasquez also traveled personally with a female co-defendant to Texas on at least one occasion to obtain drugs.
The investigation culminated on November 23, 2009 when the female co-defendant was stopped by police officers as she traveled back with a load of methamphetamine from California. The woman was transporting the meth at the direction of Velasquez.
In total, she was carrying 6.3 pounds of meth that was 100 percent pure. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine was over $300,000.
Regarding the marijuana, the female co-defendant was asked to travel to Santa Ana, California where she picked up five pounds of marijuana. She then picked up some friends of Velasqeuz. The group then traveled to Las Vegas, where they picked up methamphetamine.
The female co-defendant then drove to Greeley, where they took the drugs into her apartment. The drugs were broken out, inspected, repackaged, and smoked. The methamphetamine was of poor quality.
“This lengthy prison sentence demonstrates one simple fact, that drug dealing will lead to prison,” said United States Attorney John Walsh. “Thanks to the hard work of all involved, including the Assistant United States Attorneys, the FBI, the Greeley Police Department, the Weld County Drug Task Force, and the Weld County District Attorney’s Office, multiple drug dealers have been removed from the streets of Greeley.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"DENVER—Miguel Angel Velasquez, aka “Outlaw,” age 28, of Greeley, Colorado, was sentenced this week by United States Circuit Court Judge David M Ebel to serve 192 months (16 years) in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and 50 kilograms or less of marijuana. Following his 16 year prison sentence, Velasquez was ordered to serve five years on supervised release.
On April 21, 2010, Velasquez and 12 other defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver. Velasquez pled guilty before Judge Ebel on April 21, 2011. He was sentenced on April 24, 2012.
The cases against co-defendants of Velasquez have been resolved with the exception of two, who remain fugitives.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, in October 2008, the Greeley Police Department and the Weld County Drug Task Force (WCDTF) was introduced to an investigative target by a confidential informant. The target, Miguel Velasquez, was selling ounce-type quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine and was also selling marijuana in pound quantities around the Greeley area. During the course of the investigation, a WCDTF Undercover Task Force Officer did a number of hand-to-hand transactions with Velasquez. As the investigation progressed, transactions between the defendant and the task force officer continued, with the amount of drugs being purchased increasing, including the sale of two ounces of cocaine, one quarter ounce of methamphetamine, and a firearm on September 29, 2009.
While working on the investigation, law enforcement agents and officers identified a number of out-of-state individuals from California and Texas border towns involved in the drug trafficking.
Specifically, law enforcement learned that Velasquez obtained his drugs through couriers or runners that he sent to California. Those couriers delivered money and brought back narcotics. Velasquez also traveled personally with a female co-defendant to Texas on at least one occasion to obtain drugs.
The investigation culminated on November 23, 2009 when the female co-defendant was stopped by police officers as she traveled back with a load of methamphetamine from California. The woman was transporting the meth at the direction of Velasquez.
In total, she was carrying 6.3 pounds of meth that was 100 percent pure. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine was over $300,000.
Regarding the marijuana, the female co-defendant was asked to travel to Santa Ana, California where she picked up five pounds of marijuana. She then picked up some friends of Velasqeuz. The group then traveled to Las Vegas, where they picked up methamphetamine.
The female co-defendant then drove to Greeley, where they took the drugs into her apartment. The drugs were broken out, inspected, repackaged, and smoked. The methamphetamine was of poor quality.
“This lengthy prison sentence demonstrates one simple fact, that drug dealing will lead to prison,” said United States Attorney John Walsh. “Thanks to the hard work of all involved, including the Assistant United States Attorneys, the FBI, the Greeley Police Department, the Weld County Drug Task Force, and the Weld County District Attorney’s Office, multiple drug dealers have been removed from the streets of Greeley.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 4, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: KJCT News 8 "Fruita Voters Ban Medical Marijuana"
Don Coleman:
"FRUITA, Colo. -- Voters in Fruita have decided to ban the medical marijuana industry inside city limits in April's municipal election. The final tally was released around 10:15 pm Tuesday after more than 2,800 people cast ballots.
Drawing interest this election were a number of issues and city races, but none may be more controversial than the question regarding an outright ban of medical marijuana operations within city limits.
Referred Issue B, as it was labeled, was passed by an unofficial vote of 2,044 to 754. The vote 'Yes' bans the industry inside city limits. It's a decision that joins Grand Junction and unincorporated Mesa County with similar bans making Palisade the next closest town allowing dispensaries...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"FRUITA, Colo. -- Voters in Fruita have decided to ban the medical marijuana industry inside city limits in April's municipal election. The final tally was released around 10:15 pm Tuesday after more than 2,800 people cast ballots.
Drawing interest this election were a number of issues and city races, but none may be more controversial than the question regarding an outright ban of medical marijuana operations within city limits.
Referred Issue B, as it was labeled, was passed by an unofficial vote of 2,044 to 754. The vote 'Yes' bans the industry inside city limits. It's a decision that joins Grand Junction and unincorporated Mesa County with similar bans making Palisade the next closest town allowing dispensaries...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 2, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Springs Independent "CannaBiz: Second wave from the Fed "
Bryce Crawford:
"Following up on his promise, last week Colorado U.S. Attorney John Walsh sent a second wave of letters to 25 medical marijuana centers located within 1,000 feet of a school, including a thus-far-unidentified few in Colorado Springs. (Please contact us if you're one of them.) Those centers then have 45 days to move or close or make themselves "subject to criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions under federal law."..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Following up on his promise, last week Colorado U.S. Attorney John Walsh sent a second wave of letters to 25 medical marijuana centers located within 1,000 feet of a school, including a thus-far-unidentified few in Colorado Springs. (Please contact us if you're one of them.) Those centers then have 45 days to move or close or make themselves "subject to criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions under federal law."..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 4, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "U.S. attorney: No pot shop safe from federal enforcement"
Will 2012 bring the final outcome?
Is this the year that the medical marijuana industry finally gets a straight answer on the question of whether to stay open or close the doors? Finally get a break from lawyer fees and being hassled in the business community on all kinds of levels? Be able to go to work without being afraid the cops are on their way?
Colorado US Attorney John Walsh says that it is.
Rema Rahman:
"DENVER — The U.S. attorney in Colorado says there is no such thing as "safe harbor" for pot shops.
U.S. Attorney John Walsh sent a letter Friday to a lawyer representing medical marijuana dispensaries, saying safe harbor doesn't exist for such shops because marijuana remains illegal under federal law. It was the latest in an exchange of letters between Walsh and lawyer Robert Corry regarding the location of dispensaries and how far they need to be from schools.
Walsh said in the new letter that it is at his office's discretion to take enforcement action against any and all medicinal marijuana dispensaries...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Is this the year that the medical marijuana industry finally gets a straight answer on the question of whether to stay open or close the doors? Finally get a break from lawyer fees and being hassled in the business community on all kinds of levels? Be able to go to work without being afraid the cops are on their way?
Colorado US Attorney John Walsh says that it is.
Rema Rahman:
"DENVER — The U.S. attorney in Colorado says there is no such thing as "safe harbor" for pot shops.
U.S. Attorney John Walsh sent a letter Friday to a lawyer representing medical marijuana dispensaries, saying safe harbor doesn't exist for such shops because marijuana remains illegal under federal law. It was the latest in an exchange of letters between Walsh and lawyer Robert Corry regarding the location of dispensaries and how far they need to be from schools.
Walsh said in the new letter that it is at his office's discretion to take enforcement action against any and all medicinal marijuana dispensaries...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 20, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times: "Assistant U.S. attorney dies while snowshoeing"
via Aspen Times:
"DENVER — A spokesman for the Colorado U.S. Attorney's Office says an assistant U.S. Attorney died while snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park.
U.S. Attorney John Walsh says 64-year-old Bob Mydans collapsed just after 3 p.m. Saturday and couldn't be revived. Walsh tells The Denver Post Mydans "was a rock, a true mainstay of this office, and never hesitated to take on difficult work, and to do it extraordinarily well."
Mydans joined the Department of Justice in 1980 and handled criminal cases at the Washington D.C. headquarters. He later moved to the Western District of Oklahoma City and served as an assistant U.S. Attorney before transferring to the Colorado office in 1991.
Colorado U.S. Attorney's spokesman Jeff Dorschner says Mydans' talent for handling complex cases led to an assignment in the economic crimes section...." (Read article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"DENVER — A spokesman for the Colorado U.S. Attorney's Office says an assistant U.S. Attorney died while snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park.
U.S. Attorney John Walsh says 64-year-old Bob Mydans collapsed just after 3 p.m. Saturday and couldn't be revived. Walsh tells The Denver Post Mydans "was a rock, a true mainstay of this office, and never hesitated to take on difficult work, and to do it extraordinarily well."
Mydans joined the Department of Justice in 1980 and handled criminal cases at the Washington D.C. headquarters. He later moved to the Western District of Oklahoma City and served as an assistant U.S. Attorney before transferring to the Colorado office in 1991.
Colorado U.S. Attorney's spokesman Jeff Dorschner says Mydans' talent for handling complex cases led to an assignment in the economic crimes section...." (Read article? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 10, 2012
SandBox Comments: Colorado News Agency "Colorado’s law-and-order AG blows hot and cold on states’ rights"
Peter Blake with credit to Colorado News Agency:
"So, are Colorado’s medical marijuana dispensaries supposed to bring in satchels full of cash to the Revenue Department in order to pay their taxes?
That’s about what they have to do now, since the state’s banks and credit unions refuse to handle their accounts for fear of federal retribution.
A bill pending in the legislature would enable the dispensaries to set up their own “financial cooperative,” which would let them make deposits, write checks and, basically, carry on like any other business or household with a bank account. It would work like a credit union, open only to members, but it wouldn’t be allowed to use that term.
The bill would permit the co-op to seek private deposit insurance, since federal deposit insurance agencies like the FDIC won’t help.
“A lack of banking leads to 1) decrease in public safety, particularly for patients, employees and business owners, and 2) less accountability to local, state and federal tax collectors,” says Michael Elliott, executive director of the Medical Marijuana Industry Group.
But Senate Bill 75 is opposed by Attorney General John Suthers, among others, and he or a deputy is likely to testify against it when it comes up in the Senate Finance Committee on Valentine’s Day.
The last financial institution to handle medical marijuana accounts, Colorado Springs Bank, bailed out of that business last September. Like the bigger banks that dropped them earlier, it was afraid of retribution from the Drug Enforcement Agency, which could prosecute it for money laundering.
Suthers, said a spokesman, will oppose the bill for reasons outlined in a letter he received from U.S. Attorney John Walsh last spring. That letter reminded him that “the prosecution of individuals and organizations involved in the trade of any illegal drugs and the disruption of drug trafficking organizations is a core priority” of the Justice Department...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"So, are Colorado’s medical marijuana dispensaries supposed to bring in satchels full of cash to the Revenue Department in order to pay their taxes?
That’s about what they have to do now, since the state’s banks and credit unions refuse to handle their accounts for fear of federal retribution.
A bill pending in the legislature would enable the dispensaries to set up their own “financial cooperative,” which would let them make deposits, write checks and, basically, carry on like any other business or household with a bank account. It would work like a credit union, open only to members, but it wouldn’t be allowed to use that term.
The bill would permit the co-op to seek private deposit insurance, since federal deposit insurance agencies like the FDIC won’t help.
“A lack of banking leads to 1) decrease in public safety, particularly for patients, employees and business owners, and 2) less accountability to local, state and federal tax collectors,” says Michael Elliott, executive director of the Medical Marijuana Industry Group.
But Senate Bill 75 is opposed by Attorney General John Suthers, among others, and he or a deputy is likely to testify against it when it comes up in the Senate Finance Committee on Valentine’s Day.
The last financial institution to handle medical marijuana accounts, Colorado Springs Bank, bailed out of that business last September. Like the bigger banks that dropped them earlier, it was afraid of retribution from the Drug Enforcement Agency, which could prosecute it for money laundering.
Suthers, said a spokesman, will oppose the bill for reasons outlined in a letter he received from U.S. Attorney John Walsh last spring. That letter reminded him that “the prosecution of individuals and organizations involved in the trade of any illegal drugs and the disruption of drug trafficking organizations is a core priority” of the Justice Department...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 9, 2012
SandBox Comments: Denver Channel "Feds Make Largest Mass Drug Arrest In Colo. History"
Thank you to all agencies, officers, agents, task forces and prosecutors who participated in this, the biggest drug and gang bust in Colorado's history. You are so appreciated.
Alan Gathright and Kim Nguyen:
"...You have 500 cops at 6 in the morning who are taking suspects into custody who were this violent and this dangerous and have nobody hurt, it's remarkable. It's rare that I've seen a sophisticated operation done so well and done so smoothly," said Aurora police Chief Dan Oates.
There were close too 100 arrest warrants and dozens of commanders and supervisors working with their teams to make sure the arrests came about smoothly,
"This was not easy by any stretch of the imagination," one law enforcement agent said.
"This is a big deal for Colorado. It sends a clear message to people bringing drugs and selling. And that is,
'Your day will come,'" Walsh said.
"The local gangs should be on notice. If they are involved in violence and they are involved in drug trafficking ... they will go down," said Adams County Sheriff Doug Darr.
He said the effort to disrupt and dismantle the criminal organizations responsible for that "is by no means over and will lead to further investigations."
The investigation showed that the drugs were going to streets of metro Denver, and not mean for any other state...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Alan Gathright and Kim Nguyen:
"...You have 500 cops at 6 in the morning who are taking suspects into custody who were this violent and this dangerous and have nobody hurt, it's remarkable. It's rare that I've seen a sophisticated operation done so well and done so smoothly," said Aurora police Chief Dan Oates.
There were close too 100 arrest warrants and dozens of commanders and supervisors working with their teams to make sure the arrests came about smoothly,
"This was not easy by any stretch of the imagination," one law enforcement agent said.
"This is a big deal for Colorado. It sends a clear message to people bringing drugs and selling. And that is,
'Your day will come,'" Walsh said.
"The local gangs should be on notice. If they are involved in violence and they are involved in drug trafficking ... they will go down," said Adams County Sheriff Doug Darr.
He said the effort to disrupt and dismantle the criminal organizations responsible for that "is by no means over and will lead to further investigations."
The investigation showed that the drugs were going to streets of metro Denver, and not mean for any other state...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
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