In response to the Denver District Court’s ruling today denying Colorado Ethics Watch’s petition against Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey, Ethics Watch renewed its commitment to pressuring district attorneys to enforce criminal standards of conduct for public officials.

“Through our petition, Ethics Watch has put DAs on notice that turning a blind eye to the criminal violations of public officials will not be tolerated. To date, district attorneys in Colorado have been reticent to prosecute, or even investigate, such crimes. District Attorney Morrissey’s refusal to prosecute Senator McElhany, in particular, sent a troubling message to public officials that their misconduct will likely be overlooked by local law enforcement. Ethics Watch will continue its efforts to reverse that trend. In addition, Ethics Watch will engage the newly established Independent Ethics Commission, who also has jurisdiction to enforce criminal and other standards of conduct.”