SandBox Comments: Delta County Independent "DAs apologize for actions of one of their own"

(See related story and public comments here)

Colorado District Attorney's Council President Larry R. Abrahamson:
"Dear Editor:

As district attorneys, and in accordance with our ethical guidelines, we withheld comment on the charges against Myrl Serra, former district attorney in the 7th Judicial District, during the pendency of the proceedings. Since Mr. Serra has been convicted and sentenced, it is necessary for us to openly address his conduct.

As president of the Colorado District Attorney's Council, I am speaking for all the elected prosecutors in our organization in writing this letter. There are four points we would like to make.

First, we express our sincere apologies and sympathy to the victims in this case and all those who were affected by Mr. Serra's illegal and destructive actions. The scars left by such actions are often lifelong. We also recognize the lasting harm caused by these crimes to the community and to the outstanding staff of the district attorney's office in the 7th Judicial District.

Second, as the state's prosecutors, we are held to a higher standard — as we should be. When one of us violates the law, we will not hesitate to openly and publicly take a position expressing our abhorrence of the activities that have brought disrepute to our profession. Mr. Serra's acts have not only created great harm to the victims and his community but have tarnished the reputation of prosecutors who are committed to the highest ethical standards in the legal profession...."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."