This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
The Boulder County District Attorney's Office is conducting an "inquiry" into the complaint filed by OUR Center Board President Julia Rush against City Councilmembers Joan Peck and Polly Christensen.
A public Longmont-focused Facebook group recently discussed an accusation that claimed Mayor Brian Bagley was bullying Councilmembers Peck and Christensen. In response, Bagley posted the comment seen below. Within this comment, he publicly discussed the existence of the inquiry.
In response to an interview request, a spokesperson for District Attorney Michael Dougherty's office was careful to distinguish between the office's current activities and a criminal investigation. While stressing that the office was conducting a thorough review of the complaint and all related materials, a spokesperson said, "at the conclusion of our inquiry and review, the [District Attorney's] Office will determine whether a criminal investigation is required. Given the nature of the complaint, a thorough review is required. During the course of an inquiry, we are not able to provide updates or reveal specific information."
When asked to explain the distinction between the current "inquiry" and a "criminal investigation," the spokesperson stressed that they could not discuss details. "Under Rule 3.8 of the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, a prosecutor must refrain from making unnecessary, extrajudicial comments that have a substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused individual(s)."
Dougherty's office declined to comment on the scope of the inquiry, potential targets, or who has been interviewed. The spokesperson did say, "the District Attorney’s Office takes allegations of public corruption or misconduct by public officials very seriously."
Anyone with information regarding the District Attorney's inquiry is encouraged to email [email protected].
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