Decision Raises Debate over Double Standard for Broomfield Auditor
Face the State Staff Report
Broomfield, Colo. — Despite the availability of witnesses to confirm the fact that county auditor Vickie Brown had cocaine on her desk at work, corroborated by Brown’s own confession, law enforcement officials are now saying they will not file criminal charges against her. The decision is raising the ire of defense attorneys and civil rights organizations who say the case is being handled unfairly.
“The regular guy on the street wouldn’t get this type of treatment,” said Robert J. Corry, Jr., a Denver defense attorney who frequently represents individuals charged in drug cases. “I’ve had several clients charged with possession based on far less evidence. Brown’s confession, the testimony of the witnesses who saw her with cocaine, and the analysis of the substance located on her government desk would be enough for charges in other cases.”
Brown has publicly admitted to possessing the cocaine, telling police that it was a remnant from a weekend party that was placed in her purse by an individual she could not identify. As a result of the present allegations, Brown has resigned from her position. She had held the $83,054-a-year position since 2004.
According to a report published in the July 31st Rocky Mountain News, Brown will not be charged despite the fact that Brown’s confession was confirmed by multiple co-workers who spotted traces of cocaine on Brown’s desk earlier this summer.
At least one witness claims Brown, 49, could be heard making long snorting noises from her cubicle. When police tested the substance, it tested “presumptive positive” as cocaine. Drug sniffing dogs also alerted officers to the potential presence of cocaine, but police say there was not enough of the substance remaining to maintain as evidence for potential criminal charges.
Corry noted that without actual drugs, the case would be tough but not impossible for a prosecutor to prove. “You’d have the eye witnesses and the confession, but you wouldn’t have the actual drugs,” Corry added. “Still, this hasn’t stopped district attorneys throughout the state from bringing these types of cases in the past.”
Brian Vicente, executive director of Sensible Colorado, a non-profit organization advocating for effective and humane drug treatment across the state said Brown’s problem shouldn’t be a legal problem, but rather a health concern.
“This case really raises a larger point about the way we view drug problems,” said Vicente. “People shouldn’t be charged for possessing small amounts of drugs. It sounds like she has a health problem and the best way to deal with this is through treatment.”
As of press time, Michael Goodbee, the assistant district attorney in Broomfield and Adams Counties handling press inquiries, had not returned a call for comment on the case.
she should be fired
On August 8th, 2007 galloretta says:
She should be punished for her conduct. Had it been one of her employees caught with coke on their desk, he or she would have been fired regardless. How sad that we have so many crooks managing our affairs.
Property Values Vs. Cocaine Ingested
On August 2nd, 2007 coldawg says:
Is there a correlation between property values established by the assesor and the amount of cocaine ingested by this bimbo???? I'd say the city/county manager and the town tramp( Mayor Karen Stuart) have some explaining to do. Why should citizens of Broomfield believe that valuations were set by a "sober" individual and are therefore valid?????