Springs DA filmed drinking, driving during office hours

By Carlyn Ray Mitchell, Perry Swanson and Dennis Huspeni, The Gazette

Published May 7, 2008 at 8:15 a.m.
Updated May 7, 2008 at 3:59 p.m.

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Photo by KOAA TV

Fourth Judicial District Attorney John Newsome has been caught on tape drinking and then driving his county-owned vehicle, KOAA reported Tuesday.

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May 7, 2008

8:29 a.m.

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airbornebigfoot writes:

"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.
May 7, 2008

8:29 a.m.

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Spencer writes:

yea but he is big in the church so all is fine
May 7, 2008

8:33 a.m.

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Marshdale writes:

It is a shame. I wonder how many sound decisions this guy makes regarding the prosecution of criminals? Wow! That is scary!
May 7, 2008

8:47 a.m.

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Scott writes:

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
May 7, 2008

8:56 a.m.

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Bagel writes:

Typical story from the Minister's Theocratic Republic of Colorado Springs.
May 7, 2008

8:57 a.m.

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LBCsurfgoddess writes:

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?
May 7, 2008

9:27 a.m.

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johnson writes:

Just apologize John, it seems to work for Carmello.
May 7, 2008

9:30 a.m.

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Scott writes:

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
May 7, 2008

9:34 a.m.

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mrNiceGuy writes:

Sorry goddess, it's not just the Springs.
May 7, 2008

9:44 a.m.

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mrNiceGuy writes:

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!
May 7, 2008

9:48 a.m.

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TheDenverB writes:

"Cops are not trained to lie for a living"

ha!
May 7, 2008

9:51 a.m.

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mytofi writes:

"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.
May 7, 2008

9:53 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

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.
May 7, 2008

9:56 a.m.

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Scott writes:

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

Scott
May 7, 2008

9:57 a.m.

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TheDenverB writes:

"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.
May 7, 2008

10:05 a.m.

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TheDenverB writes:

"Cops are not TRAINED to lie."

yes, yes they are. i have cop friends who will openly tell you that with pride.
May 7, 2008

10:05 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

Ok, sorry Scott to put words in your mouth.
TheDenverB, you sound like a lawyer ;) You got me!
May 7, 2008

10:06 a.m.

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haloguy628 writes:

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.
May 7, 2008

10:23 a.m.

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Golden writes:

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.
May 7, 2008

10:31 a.m.

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happymike44 writes:

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.
May 7, 2008

10:33 a.m.

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OhBrother writes:

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.
May 7, 2008

10:35 a.m.

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The_Punnisher writes:

Just another story about " Just-US " inaction....
May 7, 2008

10:41 a.m.

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mrNiceGuy writes:

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.
May 7, 2008

10:41 a.m.

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holekeeper writes:

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
May 7, 2008

11:23 a.m.

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davies writes:

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".
May 7, 2008

11:36 a.m.

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anteup writes:

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.
May 7, 2008

11:36 a.m.

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holekeeper writes:

davies,
I love your look on this one! research lol
May 7, 2008

12:09 p.m.

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fiesty writes:

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??
May 7, 2008

12:16 p.m.

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my3pugs writes:

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.
May 7, 2008

12:19 p.m.

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DahmersCookbook writes:

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?!
May 7, 2008

12:25 p.m.

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indisbelief writes:

Channel 7 reported that he was drinking with a female assitant DA.
May 7, 2008

12:29 p.m.

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indisbelief writes:

That's assistant DA, and she got into her own car and drove away...
May 7, 2008

12:33 p.m.

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Scott writes:

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
May 7, 2008

12:49 p.m.

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buffsblg writes:

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.
May 7, 2008

12:56 p.m.

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davies writes:

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...
May 7, 2008

1:17 p.m.

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Scott writes:

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
May 7, 2008

1:34 p.m.

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chuckyg writes:

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.
May 7, 2008

1:34 p.m.

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Diff writes:

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...
May 7, 2008

2:03 p.m.

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Diff writes:

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 -
May 7, 2008

2:25 p.m.

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davies writes:

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?
May 7, 2008

2:38 p.m.

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mytwosense writes:

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

I wonder how many people he's convicted of DUIs.
May 7, 2008

3:23 p.m.

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Jeff writes:

Soooo, what does he do AFTER work? ;-)
May 7, 2008

3:41 p.m.

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indisbelief writes:

Jeff, sorry, I hear he's straight.
May 7, 2008

3:58 p.m.

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davies writes:

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!
May 7, 2008

5:23 p.m.

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dadio161 writes:

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 !
May 7, 2008

5:42 p.m.

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Diff writes:

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...
May 7, 2008

6:39 p.m.

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rdamurphy writes:

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.
May 7, 2008

10:27 p.m.

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happymike44 writes:

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.
May 7, 2008

11:15 p.m.

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nicktaste writes:

hypocrites are such idiots
May 8, 2008

10:20 a.m.

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Darling writes:

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.
May 8, 2008

3:42 p.m.

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tchoupitoulas writes:

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!
May 9, 2008

11:22 a.m.

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D_Lowenberg writes:

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.

Home › News › Local News

Springs DA filmed drinking, driving during office hours

By Carlyn Ray Mitchell, Perry Swanson and Dennis Huspeni, The Gazette

Published May 7, 2008 at 8:15 a.m.Updated May 7, 2008 at 3:59 p.m.

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Published May 7, 2008 at 8:15 a.m.
Updated May 7, 2008 at 3:59 p.m.