Springs DA filmed drinking, driving during office hours

Posted by airbornebigfoot on May 7, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"I dont drink to impairment and drive".
what a statement! and he is still employed?
what about all the people this piece of crap prosecutes everyday for the same offense?
this hypocrite needs to be punished.
give him a county paid bus pass, and for gods sake take away his taxpayer funded vehicle before he kills someone.

Posted by Spencer on May 7, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yea but he is big in the church so all is fine

Posted by Froward69 on May 7, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Religious republicans Sh*T don't stink apparently.

Posted by Marshdale on May 7, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is a shame. I wonder how many sound decisions this guy makes regarding the prosecution of criminals? Wow! That is scary!

Posted by freethought on May 7, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah Froward69, if we were all Republican the Glade company would go out of business.

Posted by Scott on May 7, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Typical responses from the anti-Christian/anti-Conservative freaks. Of course their too dumb to deduce that the DA is first and foremost a prostitute (lawyer). Therefore, they can pretty much get away (or at least think they can) with anything. This goes for prostitutes regardless of their religious or political leanings. Hey Frowar69 & freethought, you must first find the lowest common denominator and in this case it is this fool being a prostitute. DUH!

Scott

Posted by freethought on May 7, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Say that I'm typical, dumb and then tell me that a lawyer is a "hooker"? What is a Judge, a Madam? A Pimp? What about a cop? Court clerk? I think that you have a deep rooted hatred of the judicial system. Now call ME a new name!

Posted by Bagel on May 7, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Typical story from the Minister's Theocratic Republic of Colorado Springs.

Posted by LBCsurfgoddess on May 7, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh this is why I love the Springs.. A bunch of hypocritical Yuppie-neo-con-trust-fund dirtbags! At least we keepo them all in one place in Colorado. I bet he drive a hummer too (and his wife a Tahoe)... I wonder if he has a gay lover and what he drives?

Posted by johnson on May 7, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just apologize John, it seems to work for Carmello.

Posted by Gene on May 7, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If he drive (sic) a Hummer and his wife a Tahoe, it's all over with as far as I am concerned.

Posted by Scott on May 7, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

freethought,

You're right, I do have a "deep rooted hatred for the judicial system [racket]" ... except for the cops. Cops are not trained to lie for a living, prostitutes (lawyers) are. Cops also put their lives on the line to protect people. Take a look at any court room video when the scumbags start fighting. The prostitutes (even the scumbag's prostitute) turn away while the cops/deputies/bailiffs subdue the scumbag.

Good suggestion for the name for judges. In the past I've referred to them as robed prostitutes. Now I'll call them "pimps". I already refer the the Bar Associations as "[American, <State>] Brothel Associations.

Remember, lawyers will assume ANY position ... for a price.

Scott

Posted by mrNiceGuy on May 7, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry goddess, it's not just the Springs.

Posted by mrNiceGuy on May 7, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Scott - cops lie too, don't be fooled. I won't say all cops, but it happens all the time, they're people to. Some cheat on their wives & some even beat them. Cops are a population notorious for alcoholism and spousal abuse, and why not, look at the level of stress from their jobs to their pay. And cops will lie on the stand to protect themselves and each other - isn't that the code of honor or blue code or something?

This is our system, like it or leave it. It's the cops that bring people to the 'prostitutes' and it's the cops that initiate the position that 'prostitute' takes, they're the gateway into this fabulous "system" of "justice". Most people will not get this until they're affected, then surprise!

Posted by TheDenverB on May 7, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Cops are not trained to lie for a living"

ha!

Posted by mytofi on May 7, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Cops are not trained to lie for a living,"

!?!!?
Oh yes they are. ANY time a cop "interviews" a "suspect", they lie through their teeth to get the "suspect" to say ANYthing that can be used against them. That is the way it works. Period.

Posted by RickyLee on May 7, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So much for the "authorities". You can be sure they'd nail your or my a$$ to a tree, but the double standard applies here. He should get "agricultural tresspass".

Posted by Heidi on May 7, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Scott meant that during their initial training, cops are not trained to lie. It is during their on-the-job training that they learn that.

Posted by Scott on May 7, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree that some Cops lie. They are human like the rest of us. HOWEVER, unlike prostitutes, Cops are not TRAINED to lie.

Scott

Posted by TheDenverB on May 7, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Ithink Scott meant that during their initial training, cops are not trained to lie. It is during their on-the-job training that they learn that."

well, even if that is what he meant.... (which i doubt)...

then still, ha!

they are trained to lie, period.

Posted by TheDenverB on May 7, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Cops are not TRAINED to lie."

yes, yes they are. i have cop friends who will openly tell you that with pride.

Posted by Heidi on May 7, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok, sorry Scott to put words in your mouth.
TheDenverB, you sound like a lawyer ;) You got me!

Posted by haloguy628 on May 7, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just another page in the crooked justice system saga. This makes my blood boil as I have been dealing with the DA's Judges, and so called Child Advocates for the last eight years. My only offense being combat veteran suffering from PTSD who fought for this country in two conflicts, and therefore under the crooked justice system dangerous trained killer whose kids need to be taken away. I was a medic BTW but that does not matter since that don't fit into the villanization machinery so it's conveniently overlooked.

Well back to the story, I can see it now how this scumbag are giving peachy plea deals to real criminals while pressing and intimidating people who really did nothing wrong and want to have trial and clear their reputation into pleading guilty and to "get it over with and release the pressure". After all "we're going to take it off your record in two years if you behave".

All while this scumbag is casually drinking his 12 pack of beer while on the clock and then drive county vehicle under influence/impairment. I guess laws are only for the peons.

But don't worry, there will be more and more revelations like these and people will eventually wake up and clean the pig sty called justice system. The 9/11 attacks were god sent for the neo-cons and "law & order" (read I want power) people, but eventually people will wise up. They will realize that there are no terrorists behind each corner, and that power was usurped from people under the guise of "protection" and we will take it back. No more lawyer theocracy, no more Habeus Corpus suspension, no more warrantless wiretapping, no more frivolous searches under false pretenses, and no longer blind trust in the justice system. NO MORE.

Posted by Golden on May 7, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I love the anti-Republican rants... Drinking on the job....very very bad! Blow jobs in the oval office with 20 year old interns... Perfectly fine.

The mans got a serious problem, Democrat or Rebublican, fire him and elect another DA.

Posted by happymike44 on May 7, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Suspend this guy take away his car and then put him in jail.When I was falsely arrested and put in jail till my lawyer could bail me out.Then the person admitted they lied did she get arrested and prosecuted no.So let this guy feel what no mercy looks like,no plea deal.You need to go before a jury and tell how you sinned for all to see.Why because how many people have you sent to prison that you know were innocent.Just a thought is what I am putting out there for all to see.What's good for the little guy is good for you to as well.So don't whine and cry suck it up and be a man and accept your punishment.The truth will set you free.

Posted by OhBrother on May 7, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well as long as he wasn't drinking untill "impairment" then no big deal, right? I mean doesn't everyone drink over 100 oz of beer while on the clock?

By the way, it may work for mello becuase he is a famous sports star not a DA getting paid to up hold the law. Maybe just a slight diffrence there, call me crazy but I think one of the two should have higher standards and problay not the one who plays a game for a living.

Posted by The_Punnisher on May 7, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just another story about " Just-US " inaction....

Posted by mrNiceGuy on May 7, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Halo, the pig sty is only going to get thicker. Military personnel are prime candidates for police positions, and they are not correctly retrained and their baggage (PTSD) is not recognized or treated. I'm not harshing on military, but policing the burbs is quite different than batteling insurgents. And, as with most everything else, no one will do anything about it until they are personally affected (then still what can you do).

Sorry it's you against the machine. Maybe if you hook up with Rolo the dog you'll get some support.

Posted by holekeeper on May 7, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Im sorry democrats, none of your people have had a few and drove? I am thinking Kennedy, Mabey killed someone. Oh yea this is just a republican issue. I think he should be kicked out of office because he broke the law and it is on video, but dont act like it has never happened to a democrat

Posted by Gene on May 7, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not maybe. He actually did.

Posted by davies on May 7, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The man prosecutes people for their alleged criminal acts. Did it ever occur to any of you heartless, jump-to-conclusion types that maybe he was performing "impairment research" for an upcoming DWI trial? Maybe he's a noble and dedicated public employee risking life and limb, in order to perform his prosecutorial duties as thoroughly as possible.

Seriously, the guy's toast, and all he can hope to accomplish with his denials is to mitigate the damage. He's on defense now, and he's going to do what lawyers do. But he's toast! So calm down, unwad your undies and just enjoy another episode of "The Fall from Grace".

Posted by anteup on May 7, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You can always send this DA up to Steamboat Springs to defend the (democrat) Routt County Sheriff that was stopped by state patrol for a DUI while driving a county vehicle and carrying a weapon (also had his drunken honey in the car). He refused all tests and made a similar statement of not drinking enough to impair his ability to drive and his main defense is they had no reason to stop him. I'm sure he would appreciate a lawyer with the same alcohol background to help him get out of it.

Posted by holekeeper on May 7, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

davies,
I love your look on this one! research lol

Posted by fiesty on May 7, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Busted! Let's see...

1) Performing personal business on government time (fraud- I doubt he reported leave for it, not to mention he took a) an extended lunch and b) two lunches)
2) Misuse of official vehicle for personal errands (waste/abuse)
3) Drinking during official hours (most gov't agencies allow only 1 drink [typically during lunch] during your work hours)
4) Drinking and driving (he says he wasn't impaired; while arguable, he was at least intoxicated!)
5) Performing his duties while impaired/intoxicated (he went back to work after drinking that much)
6) Violation of professional ethics (he's a DA)

Hmmm... Any bets if he gets punished for it??

Posted by my3pugs on May 7, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First off, he's a lawyer, so it's all about what you can prove, and you can't prove that he was impaired. Did he fail a breath or blood test? Did he fail a field sobriety test? NO, so there is no proof that he was impaired. If he was impaired (which is not proven), he is a very functional drunk driver as he was not described as driving erratically.

Second off, it's up to the DA to decide to prosecute. If it's the DA that is being investigated, then someone else who is a lawyer will investigate the DA. See first statement.

Posted by DahmersCookbook on May 7, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dishonorable judge Judy Arculeta (Golden), eat your heart out! Your dirty little crony arab monkey in A suit d.a. will be next. You two engage in extremely questionable and flat out illegal acts. Hope the cameras arn't on you huh?!

Posted by indisbelief on May 7, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Channel 7 reported that he was drinking with a female assitant DA.

Posted by indisbelief on May 7, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's assistant DA, and she got into her own car and drove away...

Posted by Scott on May 7, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Heidi,
No apology needed, you restated what I said. Unlike prostitutes (lawyers) Cops are not trained to lie during their cop training. Yes, some cops learn to lie on the job, so do doctors, accountants, engineers, cashiers, etc.. Prostitutes (lawyers) on the other hand ....

Scott

Posted by buffsblg on May 7, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whatever you think of the DA he cannot be fired or disciplined. He is the elected DA and reports to no one but the voters. He has no "boss". His pay is set by the County Commissioners of the judicial district and I suppose they could take action there. However if no one is running against him, there is not much to be done except find someone to run as a write in. In El Paso county the Republican candidate is the shoe in to win so the voters there may be stuck with him.

Posted by davies on May 7, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

my3pugs: You make a valid point about being successfuly prosecuted. When I say "he's toast", I mean that he'll be forced to resign, but that doesn't mean he'll face legal charges, or be unable to practice law. But many DAs are ambitious (see Elliot Spitzer) and I think the resignation will likely be painful for him.

100 ounces at a 2-hour lunch; that's 8 beers. I wonder how many he drinks when he's not on the job...

Posted by BeefEaterGrins on May 7, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What.. a DA can't get his swerve on?

Wut up with dat?

Love,
C. Anthony

Posted by Scott on May 7, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can't the Colorado Brothel (Bar) Association yank his law license, hence make him ineligible to hold the office of DA? Therefore, this drunk would have to resign.

Scott

Posted by BOHICA_thePC_POLICE on May 7, 2008 at 1:21 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by chuckyg on May 7, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Every person that he has convicted should be retried by someone that is not a hypocratic, sleezeball. He should get the max penalty for DUI and loose his job. Cops can give DUIs now days for just the intent to drive after drinking. He was cought on camera and that is enough. I bet nothing happens to him because it sounds like he was never stoped by police. This is an outrage and should be treated like one.

Posted by Diff on May 7, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

buffsblg -
I would be willing to bet they have policy's about the use of a vehicle - and that privledge could be taken away.

I do wonder just who was counting the beers and measuring their size? was the size "maximised" and the hours "minimized"

Why was a reporter with a camera following him around in the the first place? dose not clearly -
Let's do a little math - 3 20's and one 10 oz beer - The article said he was then seen heading back to his office - does not say he drove until about an hour later, (I'll assume he did not because it is left out..)so that comes out to just less than 2 beers (12 oz) in about 3 hours - if he is a 180lb male he would not have likely been above a .08, BAC and likely still have been below 0.5 - maybe close or very little over if at all.
Further: the 132 OZ in 5 hours = comes out to 11 beers - a bit over 2 per hour and even then he would not likely have been above a .08 but could have been above the the .05 standard for DWAI.
The 132 oz makes it sound like MORE, bigger number for the sake of the printed story.
His Statement could well be true:
"I don't drink to impairment and drive."
How was he driving?
I am strongly against Driving and drinking - but let get real here - looks like someone is trying to make a big deal of something that may not be such a big deal.
Now - Drinking during work, driving an taxpayer owned car - while drinking at any level - not smart and very questionable to be sure, but I doubt if the there was a legal DUI taking place in this case...

Posted by Diff on May 7, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I did mis calculate the 132 oz for 5 hour - that well could have but his BAC over the DUI limit, Assuming a 180lb male) a lot of factors left out tho -

Posted by davies on May 7, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Diff: I will also correct myself that it was 70 ounces at the first place, not 100. So that's just under six beers total (at 12 oz. to a beer).

But I do not fault the news team for following and taping him. Seems pretty reasonable that the guy has probably been seen drinking at lunchtime before. It doesn't sound like he was particularly judicious about it, and somebody probably decided to tip off KOAA.

I still say he's gone (as in encouraged to resign or whatever).

BOHICA: You're a little out there, aren't you?

Posted by mytwosense on May 7, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, he can kiss winning that election good-bye.

I wonder how many people he's convicted of DUIs.

Posted by BOHICA_thePC_POLICE on May 7, 2008 at 2:40 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by RickyLee on May 7, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Better than Hillary at the airport....not much, though.

Posted by Jeff on May 7, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Soooo, what does he do AFTER work? ;-)

Posted by indisbelief on May 7, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jeff, sorry, I hear he's straight.

Posted by davies on May 7, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BOHICA: A standard beer is 12 ounces so he had almost six beers at lunch, then drove his County vehicle back to work. For a DA, that is about as stupid as it can get, and sufficient grounds to be fired.

Keep in mind that if the guy is in an accident in his County vehicle while over the limit, all us taxpayers can BOHICA, because the attorneys will be climbing over one another for a piece of that lawsuit!

Posted by ezekiel777 on May 7, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Big Deal! It's just another politically motivated "gotcha" story... Its boring and inane.

I expected to see a blurb at the end of the story saying:

"Colorado Springs is home to New Life Fellowship Church whose former pastor Ted Haggard was removed amid scandal after it was revealed he allegedly engaged in illicit sex with a male prostitute and bought illegal drugs."

Posted by BOHICA_thePC_POLICE on May 7, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I totally see your point Davies, my point, and I have no idea why RMN removed it, is that the PC police are crazy... and it's time we not worry about this type of incident... we've convicted this guy before even knowing every fact and the other PC people on hear have used this to bash christians, repubs and CSprings all together... now that's BOHICA!

Posted by dadio161 on May 7, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If I come to Colorado Springs, can I drink and drive my own vehicle, or does it have to be a County owned vehicle ? Just asking !

Posted by Diff on May 7, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the Article does not really say he drove back to the office - and if he had, I think it would have pointed that out - seeing they said an hour later he drove a county vehicle somewhere -
Not sure - but he could have walked back to work after the several beers noted by the article...
or maybe then he drove his own car?
But since the article is unclear - I'd bet he did not drive at all...

Posted by rdamurphy on May 7, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The last ticket I had was 5 years ago - in Colorado Springs. A motorcyle cop had the traffic signal control box open and was manually changing the lights in front of people. Apparently honesty and ethics isn't a problem for Colorado Springs Government - at any level.

Posted by happymike44 on May 7, 2008 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well at least I hope the try to look like he is paying for being a bad bad boy.mea culpea mea culpea mea culpea I have been a bad bad boy mommy please don't spank me and take away my ability to stick it to all the little people out there.Well I hope he at least gets some sort of punishment.But then again it is the good old boy network at it again.Probably take him out for a pint after he reads this article.What scares the crap out of me is he is supposed to be protecting us from the criminal element,but who is protectng us from him.

Posted by BOHICA_thePC_POLICE on May 7, 2008 at 10:51 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by nicktaste on May 7, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hypocrites are such idiots

Posted by Darling on May 8, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's how this will pan out -

He'll have a press conference where he'll admit (crying of course) to being an alcoholic and will take a leave of absence to check himself into a rehab center. Everyone will applaud his commitment to getting in touch with his inner-demons.

When he comes back it will be with renewed vigor to help others with his same problems.

Oh - and he'll donate a lot of money to MADD.

Posted by tchoupitoulas on May 8, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay...why is this even newsworthy? It's an unfortunate fact of life, but people drink then get behind the wheel of a car and drive because they think they're bullet-proof all the time. This happens everywhere, not just in Colorado Springs. I bet....it even happens in the place where you live (gasp!)

It seems like the post is filled with nothing but tangental arguments being bantered about by malcontents.

If you're not a fan of lawyers, avoid putting yourself in a situation where you'll need one.

If Colorado Springs isn't your thing....avoid articles that mention happenings in Colorado Springs.

It's not hard, people!

Posted by Fresh on May 8, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ANyone who thinks they can drink 11 beers in 5 hours and NOT be drastically imparied is a stupid moron that has ZERO brains!

this guy needs to be fired , the city council is his boss as is the county comissioner either one can fire his alcoholic ass in a nano second!

Posted by D_Lowenberg on May 9, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My, wife, who is a recovering alcoholic, comments: Those NON-alcoholics who have a couple of drinks and think they can drive are the real morons.

Posted by RickyLee on May 9, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you spelled "Tchopitoulas" wrong.

Posted by KaySieverding on May 9, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

any kind of misconduct involving district attorneys is bad bad bad because d.a.s can really hurt people in pursuing criminal complaints without evidence, withholding exculpatory evidence, and failing to pursue crimes. D.A.s can ruin lives. I think that district attorney misconduct can be reduced but not completely eliminated. I think the best way to deal with this problem is to develop a system to fix district attorney mistakes. If you had a doctor who was getting drunk and making mistakes, in addition to dealing with the doctor, you would provide remedial services to the injured patients. Right now in Colorado, in my experience, when there is a problem with district attorney misconduct, the state of colorado acts to protect the district attorneys from financial liability by suppressing the evidence of their misconduct and covering it up so that the victims of the district attorney misconduct then suffer further damages. I personally called the State of Colorado Attorney General and was told that they do not care if state employees victimize or injure Colorado citizens. The assumption is that the injured citizens will either find help by paying a lawyer (at great expense if they can find one willing to take on a d.a.) or they will live with their lives being ruined or they will kill themselves. Really that is OK with the State of Colorado. They really truly don't care how many people their employees hurt or how badly they hurt them as long as they can cover it up.