Fourth Judicial District — El Paso and Teller Counties

This site is copyrighted, supported, and maintained by the Equal Justice Foundation.


 

| EJF Home | Join the EJF | Comments? | Get EJF newsletter | Newsletters |

| DV Home | Abstract | Contents | Tables | Index | Bibliography |

 

| Chapter 7 — Colorado Judges — Citizen's Review |

| Next — Fifth Judicial District |

| Back — Third Judicial District |


 
Referred to locally as the Filthy Fourth because of its abysmal record on civil liberties, especially Second Amendment, and the incredible number of domestic violence cases, three times the number in the comparable judicial districts.
With five military bases, including Fort Carson, within this district the abysmal treatment of veterans and active-duty military has drawn national attention.
Prosecutors in this district repeatedly add and jack up charges in order to coerce plea bargains with the court's collusion.
El Paso County Judicial Building

270 S. Tejon Street

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903

Information Number: (719) 448-7700

Facsimile: (719) 329-7046 (Colorado Springs)

Self help center for pro se litigants is in Room 101. Call (719) 452-5555 for appointment.

Teller County Courthouse

101 West Bennett Avenue,

P.O. Box 997,

Cripple Creek, CO 80813

Facsimile (719) 689-2574 (Cripple Creek)

Office of Trust & Estate Administration (Probate Court)

105 East Vermijo, Suite 120

PO Box 2980

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

(719) 448-7551

In 2012 the Equal Justice Foundation began a rating system of justices standing for retention based on the votes of attorneys who submit responses to surveys sent to them by the Judicial Performance Review Commission. The idea was first put forward by the Rocky Mountain News in an October 13, 2002, editorial. Whether a “Retain” or “Do Not Retain” is recommended is based on the criteria:

Retain: More than 85% of attorneys voted to retain;

Marginal: in 2012 the standard was that only 80-85% of attorneys voted to retain. In 2014 review this was broadened to 75-85% and in 2018 the standard was expanded again to 71-85% of attorneys voted to retain;

Do Not Retain: In 2012 the standard was less than 80% of attorneys voted to retain. In 2014 review this was changed to <75% of attorneys voted to retain and in 2018 this was lowered even further to less than or equal <=70% suggesting judicial standards continue to decline.


 

Problem solving courts

Problem-solving courts are innovative criminal justice programs that seek rehabilitation over incarceration. The goal is to treat the underlying issues that lead to criminal behaviors, which have proven resistant to conventional solutions. The 4 th Judicial District as of October 2018 has five such courts:

Child Support Court - Responsible Parent Program (RPP)
Domestic Violence (DV) Court
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Court
Family Treatment Drug Court (FTDC)
Recovery Court
Veterans Trauma Court (VTC)

 
    Table 19: Fourth Judicial District (El Paso and Teller Counties)

Name of Judge

Courtroom

Telephone

Email

Case Links

Comments

 

District Judges

Douglas E. Anderson

El Paso County

 

Not recommended for retention. Stepped down end of 2003 with full retirement benefits.

William Bain

former Chief Judge

Division 22

(719) 452-5522

 

Appointed by Gov. Ritter in Sept. 2010.

Former Colorado Springs city attorney.

Stood for retention in 2014. 89% Retain

EJF recommendation: Retain

Stood for retention in 2020.

EJF recommendation: Retain

100% of attorneys voted to Retain.

 

After a sheriff's deputy attempted to kill a farmer on his own property, Bain sentenced the farmer to four years in prison for attempting to defend himself from an obviously out-of-control deputy who was firing wildly.

Promoted to Chief Judge as of July 31, 2017.

Eric Bentley

Division 8

(719) 452-5449

 

Appointed district judge by Gov. Hickenlooper in October 2016. Prior to that he was in private practice. Before moving to Colorado in 2001 he served as an assistant U.S. attorney in Philadelphia and a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Organized Crime & Racketeering Section, in Washington, D.C.

Stood for retention in 2018.

EJF recommendation: Retain

86% voted to Retain

Stood for retention again in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Retain

89% of attorneys voted to Retain while 11% voted Do Not Retain. A slight improvement.

Linda M. Billings-Vela

Division: Division 1

 

Prior to 2024 she was Presiding Juvenile Court Judge where, in addition to her own docket, she supervised nine direct reports including five juvenile court magistrates.

(719) 452-5229

D04_Courts_Div1@judicial.state.co.us

 

Promoted to district judge by Gov. Hickenlooper in July 2015. Formerly county judge in Teller County and before that a magistrate.

Appointed county court judge in October 2011. Formerly a magistrate in 4th Judicial District.

Stood for retention as county judge in 2014.

EJF recommendation: 89% Retain

Stood for retention as district judge in 2018.

EJF recommendation: Retain

94% voted to Retain.

Stood for retention again in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Marginal

This time only 77% of attorneys voted to Retain while 19% voted Do Not Retain. Was carrying a heavy load.

Peter W. Booth

El Paso County

 

Stepped down November 2003.

 

Appointed district judge September 1991.

Stood for retention in 2000. 88% Retain.

Concerns about his ongoing lack of diligence and docket control.

Jill Brady

Division 20

 

Through 2024 she has been appealed ~30 times and her decisions have been affirmed ~80% of the time.

(719) 542-5291

 

Promoted to district judge in July 2015 by Gov. Hickenlooper. Formerly El Paso County magistrate.

Stood for retention in 2018.

EJF recommendation: Marginal

84% of attorneys voted to Retain, just below cutoff of >85%.

Stood for retention again in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Retain

100% of attorneys voted to Retain.

Rebecca S. Bromley

 

A lesson in why litigants should make their own recordings of court proceedings.

 

Retired July 20, 2007, to avoid an investigation into taking bribes. See Nov. 13, 2008, article in Know Your Courts.

 

Appointed district court judge in 2001.

Acting district judge for probate from 1999 on. Appointed county court judge in 1987 and was Presiding Judge of County Court from 1987 to 1993.

Stood for retention in 2000. Only 71% of attorneys voted to retain.

Stood for retention in 2004. 84% Retain.

See Galbraith appeal 08CA2353. February, 2006, Bromley began using powerful drugs. Side effects included: confusion, disorientation, agitation, decreased concentration, memory loss, behavioral changes, forgetfulness, impaired cognition, transient global amnesia, depression, mood swings, organic delusional syndrome, paranoia, and aggravation of pre- existing senility.

By November, 2006, Bromley was so impaired that she no longer came to work regularly. She arranged with several other employees and other judges, to cover for her so she could continue receiving full-time salary and benefits while not earning them, a criminal felony under Colorado's Embezzlement of Public Funds statute.

One arrangement made to cover up her impaired abilities was to allow her to conduct court proceedings without a court reporter or any Electronic Recording Operator present, contrary to accepted practices regarding use of electronic recordings in court proceedings.

Placed mother in jail for 3 days in July 2007 for talking to her daughter on the telephone. Also ordered mother to perform 100 hours of community service with Headstart.

Robin Chittum

Division 19

(719) 452-5352

D04_Courts_Div19@judicial.state.co.us

 

Promoted district judge from magistrate by Gov. Hickenlooper effective January 2013. She was fair and impartial as a magistrate.

Stood for retention in 2016.

EJF recommendation: 91% Retain.

Stood for retention again in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Retain

95% of attorneys voted to Retain with 5% voting Do Not Retain

19CA0176

Judge Chittum violated man's right to a fair and impartial jury by allowing woman to serve who stated she would hold the defendant's silence against him.

Theresa M. Cisneros

 

A champion of paternity fraud!

 

Retired January 2019. Not soon enough but somehow this woman remains a senior judge as of September 2020.

 

Appointed district judge in January 1997.

Stood for retention in 2000.

Stood for retention in 2006. 85% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2012.

EJF recommendation: Marginal 83% Retain, 17% Do Not Retain

Biased and unfair in family issues particularly regarding paternity fraud.

Edward S. Colt

Division 8

 

Retired October 1, 2016.

 

Appointed district judge in September 2000.

Stood for retention in 2002. Just half of attorneys polled voted to retain.

Stood for retention in 2008. 87% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2014.

EJF recommendation: Retain

90% of attorneys voted to Retain and only 6% voted to not retain.

 

Worked with a suicidal veteran suffering from PTSD to get him treatment after the veteran shot at the Sheriff's Bearcat armored vehicle when it came on his property.

Ronald Crowder

 

Major general in Colorado National Guard and served as advisor in the Balkans.

 

Helped pioneer veteran trauma courts in Colorado.

 

Retired in January 2013 and appointed senior judge.

 

Appointed district judge in July 2006. Former deputy DA and municipal judge in Manitou Springs.

Stood for retention in 2008. 100% Retain.

93DR266

(click here for a ruling as incoherent as you are likely to see, dated October 15, 2007)

 

Reversed

07CA 2295

Ignoring res judicata and stare decisis, as well as Colorado statutes, in 2007 Crowder reopened this divorce case after 14 years and forced husband to provide life insurance with ex-wife, who has remarried, as beneficiary. Crowder also readjudicated ex-husband's military retirement pay to ex-wife's advantage 14 years after their divorce. Husband feared for his life with ex-wife sole beneficiary of a $400,000 life insurance policy

(click here for transcript of 2007 hearing). In a rare show of common sense on November 13, 2008, the CO Court of Appeals, case 07CA 2295, reversed this decision.

Pioneered veteran courts in Colorado.and handled felony cases for veteran trauma court

Veterans in his court thought very highly of him.

Jessica Curtis

Division 5

719-452-5365

D04_Courts_Div5@judicial.state.co.us

 

Promoted district judge by Gov. Polis on July 16, 2019. This is a new position. Previously she was a magistrate in this district.

Stood for retention in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Retain

89% of attorneys voted to Retain and just 6% voted Do Not Retain.

Jann Patrice DuBois

 

On appeal 36.6% of her cases have been reversed.

 

Retired October 9, 2021.

 

Appointed district judge in August 2005.

Formerly a magistrate in 4 th JD.

Stood for retention in 2008. 100% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2014. 90% Retain

EJF recommendation: Retain

Stood for retention in 2020.

EJF recommendation: 91% Retain

A psychologist reported her extremely biased and prejudiced in two cases in April 2010, one family, one criminal.

Screamed at defendant and his mother in another case in May 2010.

An attorney reported that she is biased and ignorant of the law.

Samuel A. Evig

Division 17

719-452-5259

D04_Courts_Div17@judicial.state.co.us

 

Promoted to district court judge by Gov. Polis on August 4, 2021 and stepped up to bench on October 8 th to replace Judge DuBois. Previously a county court judge in this district.

Stood for retention in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Retain

86% of attorneys voted to Retain while just 7% voted Do Not Retain.

Laura N. Findorff

Division: 12

719-452-5244

D04_Courts_Div12@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed district court judge on March 12, 2021, by Gov. Polis. Previously a county court judge in this district.

Stood for retention in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

Just 64% of attorneys voted to Retain while 27% voted Do Not Retain.

09DR2993

As a county court judge she was indifferent to father's and grandmother's visitation rights for 2-year old child. Ignored evidence and insulted father.

David A. Gilbert

Division: 7

(719) 452-5287

D04_Courts_Div7@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed district court judge in July 2001.

Formerly chief deputy district attorney.

Stood for retention in 2004. 80% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2010. 94% Retain.

Stood for retention again in 2016.

EJF recommendation: 84% Marginal

Stood for retention again in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

This time just 67% of attorneys voted to Retain and 22% voted Do Not Retain. Clearly he is not improving!

Monica Gomez

Division: 18

 

Concerns regarding docket management and demeanor remain.

 

See various comments about her on Clear The Bench.

719-452-5443

D04_Courts_Div18@judicial.state.co.us

 

After less than 3 years as a county judge with a checkered record, Gov. Polis promoted her a district court judge effective July 1, 2022.

Appointed county court judge in 4 th Judicial District by Gov. Polis on August 29, 2019. Transferred back from Douglas County Court, 18 th Judicial District.

Promoted from magistrate in 4 th Judicial District to Douglas County court judge in 18 th Judicial District in February 2007.

Stood for retention in 2010. 85% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2014.

EJF recommendation: 15% Do Not Retain, and only 71% Retain

Stood for retention again in 2018.

EJF recommendation: Retain 86%

Deborah Grohs

 

Retired June 30, 2022.

 

Appointed by Gov. Ritter August 9, 2007. Former public defender and worked in private practice from 2004 until 2007.

Stood for retention in 2010. Very weak 75% of attorneys voted to retain.

Stood for retention again in 2016.

EJF recommendation: 80% Marginal

Hilary Gurney

Division 14

719-452-5233

D04_Courts_Div14@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed district court judge by Gov. Polis effective June 1, 2024. Formerly she was a magistrate.

Richard V. Hall

El Paso County

 

Retired March 31, 2006.

 

Appointed district court judge in 1978.

Stood for retention in 1998.

Stood for retention in 2004. After 29 years on the bench only 74% of attorneys recommended he be retained.

On August 31, 2010, Hall had three bears executed, a mother and her two cubs, because the cubs knocked out a screen and came into his house. In bear country home owners are expected to better protect their homes against intrusion and his neglect cost three bears their lives.

Catherine M. Helton

Division: 23

719-452-5177

D04_Courts_Div23@judicial.state.co.us

 

Promoted to district court judge by Gov. Polis on May 2, 2020. Formerly a magistrate.

Stood for retention in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Retain 93%

Marcus Henson

Division: 13

719-452-5281

D04_Courts_Div13@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed district judge by Gov. Polis on March 20, 2019. Replaces Judge Hughes. Formerly a magistrate in this judicial district.

Stood for retention in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Retain

Just 85% of attorneys voted to Retain and 11% voted Do Not Retain.

Barbara Hughes

 

Retired February 15, 2019.

 

Promoted to district judge in January 2011.

Former magistrate.

Stood for retention in 2014. 77% Retain.

EJF recommendation: Marginal

Barney Iuppa

Division: 20

 

Attorneys and defendants criticized him as being too harsh and abrupt.

 

The EJF repeatedly had litigants complain about his irrational judgements.

 

Stepped down in June 2015 and died in 2016.

 

Appointed district judge by Gov. Ritter May 2008.

County judge from 1995 until 2008.

Former 4 th Judicial District Attorney from 1989 through 1998.

Stood for retention in 2010. 90% Retain.

But see performance reviews as a county judge where only 60-69% of attorneys voted for retention over 12 years.

06M2561

Sentenced Marine Corps combat veteran to one year in jail because he objected to reading radical feminist hate literature during DV “treatment.”

Frances Johnson

Division: 24

719-452-5122

D04_Courts_Div24@judicial.state.co.us

 

Promoted to district judge in October 2019 by Governor Polis. Prior to beginning her term in January 2020, she was a magistrate.

Stood for retention in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Marginal

82% of attorneys voted to Retain but 12% voted Do Not Retain.

Thomas Kelly Kane

 

Retired effective January 1, 2024.

 

Appointed district court judge in Sept. 1994.

Stood for retention in 2002. 79% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2008. 98% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2014. 90% Retain

EJF recommendation: Retain.

Stood for retention in 2020.

EJF recommendation: Retain

89% of attorneys voted to Retain

J. Patrick Kelly

El Paso County

 

Stepped down October 31, 2010, rather than face retention vote.

 

Appointed district judge by Gov. Owens in July 2002. Previously he was El Paso County Clerk.

Stood for retention in 2004. Only 79% of attorneys voted to retain.

Thomas Kennedy

Division: 1

 

Reports are he has shouted and screamed from the bench, should be taking anger management classes instead of sentencing people to them.

 

Misapplies the law on a regular basis.

Knowingly violates constitutional rights and then advises litigants of their option to appeal.

 

Retired (finally) in June 2015.

 

Appointed district judge in May 1999.

Former prosecutor, draconian judge.

Stood for retention in 2002. 89% of attorneys voted for retention but the Colorado Springs Police Protective Association recommended he not be retained. Judicial Performance Commission recommended two year probation due to numerous credible complaints that he is not of proper judicial temperament.

Stood for retention in 2008. 97% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2014.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

Although 79% of attorneys voted to Retain previous experience does not suggest this judge should remain on the bench.

2011JV1220

Failed to have prosecution witness sequestered. Then allowed her to be admitted as expert witness despite fact she only has a BA in social science, just 6 years experience as case worker with DHS, no publications, no honors, no supervisory, management, or teaching experience, and no résumé was presented. As an “expert witness” she was then allowed to present hearsay and gossip as sworn testimony. Nor had she interviewed father in this case.

Robert L. Lowrey

 

Air Force Academy graduate.

 

Retired April 1, 2021

 

Appointed district court judge in August 2003.

Stood for retention in 2006. 95% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2012.

EJF recommendation: 96%Retain

Stood for retention again in 2018.

EJF recommendation: 100% Retain

Gilbert A. Martinez

former Chief Judge

 

Was shot at in his home.

 

Retired July 31, 2017, after 28 years on the bench. Remained a senior judge to the dismay of citizens in the Filthy Fourth until his death in November 2023.

 

Appointed district judge in 1989.

Stood for retention in 1998. 94% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2004. 72% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2010. 91% Retain.

Stood for retention again in 2016.

EJF recommendation: Marginal 75%

Reported to be biased and unfair in family issues. For one woman's view of how her divorce was handled by him click here. Her identity is hidden to reduce the chances of retaliation.

Diana K. May

Division 16

719-452-5255

D04_Courts_Div16@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed district court judge by Gov. Polis in March 2022 to replace G. David Miller. Formerly El Paso County Attorney and served on board for TESSA, Safe Passage, and the Ending Violence Against Women Program.

Stood for retention in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

Only a pitiful 47% of attorneys voted to Retain while a full 40% voted Do Not Retain.

Mike McHenry

Division 21

(719) 452-5547

D04_Courts_Div21@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed by Gov. Ritter September 2010.

Former public defender.

Stood for retention in 2014. 85%

EJF recommendation: Marginal

Stood for retention in 2020.

EJF recommendation: Retain

97% of attorneys voted to Retain with just 3% voting Do Not Retain.

Chad C. Miller

Division 6

(719) 452-5544

D04_Courts_Div6@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed by Gov. Hickenlooper to replace Theresa Cisneros in January 2019. Former public defender.

Stood for retention in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Retain

90% of attorneys voted to Retain and just 7% voted Do Not Retain.

G. David Miller

Division: 16

 

Retired Air Force JAG officer

 

Retired March 31, 2022

 

Appointed district judge by Gov. Owens in September 2002.

Stood for retention in 2004. 77% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2010. 94% Retain.

Stood for retention again in 2016.

EJF recommendation: Retain 96%.

08CV6492

 

Overturned

09CA1230

Despite clear provisions of C.R.S. § 18-12-201 et seq., Art. II, § 13 of Colorado Constitution, and Amendment II of the federal Constitution Judge Miller arbitrarily dismissed suit brought against Regents of Univ. of Colorado that banned weapons and explosives on campuses despite multiple instances of assaults against which victims could not defend themselves. Court of Appeals overturned his decision and, in essence, told the judge, and Regents, to read and obey the law and Constitution.

William Moller

Division 11

Teller County

 

Retired from U.S. Army in 2005 after 21 years.

719-689-6926

D04_Courts_Div11@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed district court judge on January 14, 2022, by Gov. Polis. Was a magistrate for a couple of years and before that in private practice.

Stood for retention in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

Only 69% of attorneys voted to Retain and 23% voted Do Not Retain.

Steven T. Pelican

 

Retired January 2009.

Amanda Philipps

Division 3

719-452-5274

D04_Courts_Div3@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed district court judge by Gov. Polis effective January 1, 2024. Previously she was a district court magistrate.

David S. Prince

Division: 2

(719) 452-5235

D04_Courts_Div2@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed by Gov. Owens in February 2006. Experience in civil litigation in private practice. No prior judicial experience.

Stood for retention in 2008. 100% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2014. 81%

EJF recommendation: Marginal

Stood for retention in 2020.

EJF recommendation: Retain

This time 90% of attorneys voted to Retain and just 7% voted Do Not Retain.

Marla Rochelle Prudek

Division 14

 

Reported to have made biased rulings, threats, and abused her power.

 

Resigned June 1, 2024. She isn't missed!

 

Promoted to district court judge in November 2012. Was a county court judge from July 2009. Replaced Judge Kirk Samelson. Former deputy DA 1987-1989 for El Paso County. Came to the bench from private practice.

Stood for retention in county court in 2012. 90% Retain.

EJF recommendation: Retain

Stood for retention as district judge in 2016.

EJF recommendation: 58% Do Not Retain

Stood for retention again in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Marginal Only 83% Retain with 14% Do Not Retain

Kirk Stewart Samelson

 

Air Force Academy graduate.

 

Retired in October 2012.

 

Appointed district court judge in 2000.

Stood for retention in 2002. 91% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2008. No data.

Timothy Schutz

 

Despite his lackluster performance as a District Judge, Gov. Polis promoted him to the Court of Appeals in November 2021.

 

Appointed district court judge Nov. 2010.

Stood for retention in 2012

EJF recommendation: 85% Marginal

Stood for retention again in 2018.

EJF recommendation: Marginal

In 2018 only 79% of attorneys voted to Retain while 13% voted Do Not Retain. His performance on the bench did not improve.

Larry E. Schwartz

 

Retired May 2020 but Jose Barco remains in jail!

 

Appointed district court judge in 1997.

Stood for retention in 2000. 96% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2006. 97% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2012

EJF recommendation: 95% Retain

Stood for retention again in 2018. 92% Retain.

EJF recommendation: Retain

See Sgt. Jose Barco story on PBS documentary Wounded Platoon.

In violation of the Eighth Amendment Schwartz sentenced veteran suffering from PTSD with no priors to 52 years in prison. The veteran had a 19-year-old wife and a new baby.

Scott A. Sells

Teller County

Division: 11

 

See compliant at https://judgescottasells.blogspot.com/

 

Retired July 1, 2024

 

Promoted to district judge January 2009. Replaced Steven Pelican.

Stood for retention in 2012

EJF recommendation: 94% Retain

Stood for retention again in 2018.

EJF recommendation: Marginal 81% Retain and 10% Do Not Retain. His performance was worsening

David Shakes

Division: 4

 

Former Army JAG officer.

 

Problems with the veteran court have been observed by the EJF and reported to us by veterans.

719-452-5279

D04_Courts_Div4@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed district judge in March 2003. Presides over the Veteran Trauma Court.

Stood for retention in 2006. 100% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2012

EJF recommendation: 89% Retain

Stood for retention again in 2018.

EJF recommendation: Marginal

79% voted to Retain.

Stood for retention again in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Marginal

Just 78% of attorneys voted to Retain but only 6% voted Do Not Retain. His performance has not risen to his initial standards as he received a 100% rating in 2006.

Timothy J. Simmons

El Paso County

 

Army West Point graduate.

 

Stepped down from bench December 31, 2010.

 

Appointed district court judge July 1998.

Stood for retention in 2000. 89% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2006. 95% Retain.

Erin Lynn Sokol

Chief Judge

Division 10

(719) 452-5446

 

Appointed district court judge August 1, 2017, by Gov. HIckenlooper to replace Martinez. She was in private practice and has no prior judicial experience.

Stood for retention in 2020.

EJF recommendation: Retain 95%

Promoted to Chief Judge in February 2024.

D. Richard Toth

 

Retired in 2003 after calling litigant in case he was hearing an overeducated nigger.

 

Appointed in 1987. Not recommended for retention.

11JV1220

Even tempered, fair, listened to both sides.

Gregory R. Werner

Division: 15

 

Lowest score of all 4th district judges reviewed in 2014.

 

2020 review major areas of concern: Arrogant, demeaning, inability to listen and lacks self-awareness.

(719) 452-5285

D04_Courts_Div15@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed July 14, 2006. Formerly an attorney with State Farm Insurance.

Stood for retention in 2008. 92% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2014. 76%

EJF recommendation: Very marginal

Stood for retention in 2020.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

In 2020 only 57% of attorneys voted to Retain while 38% voted Do Not Retain. Again he scored lowest in 4th Judicial District.

Top

County Judges

Christopher Acker

El Paso County

Division: B

 

Attorneys overwhelmingly (94%) report that Judge Acker is either “very biased” or “somewhat biased” in favor of the prosecution.

 

The Colorado Springs Gazette on October 8, 2018, published a scathing review of Judge Acker's behavior and performance.

 

Voted off the bench in November 2018 and term ended January 2019. Samuel Evig replaced him.

 

Appointed county court judge in March 2003. Previously in private practice.

Stood for retention in 2006. Only 61% of attorneys recommended retention while 29% voted Do Not Retain.

Stood for retention in 2010. Again only 57% of attorneys voted to retain while a full 43% voted Do Not Retain. Pathetic!

Stood for retention again in 2014.

EJF recommendation: 64% Do Not Retain, 29% Do Not Retain

Stood for retention again in 2018.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

Shows no signs of improvement with only 62% of attorneys voting to Retain. He was one of only two judges the Judicial Performance Commission found to not meet performance standards in 2018. The commission found him to be: “...a rigid or formulaic jurist who fails to provide the type of individualized attention and due process to which parties are entitled.”

 

On December 4, 2008, Acker was observed to grant a temporary protection order (TPO) to a woman, ~50, because her ex-boyfriend was leaving flowers on her car. He also had keys to her apartment but she had not bothered to change the locks for two months despite claiming to be in fear of him.

In another case Acker granted a TPO to a female soldier whose veteran husband drank too much (PTSD?) and one day punched a wall after an argument. But, by her own admission, he did not touch her or make any threats toward her.

Conversely, a request by a man for a TPO after his wife assaulted him, dislocated her daughter's shoulder, and sexually abused her son was denied.

Charlotte Ankeny

Division: C

719-452-5203

D04_Courts_DivC@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed county court judge July 14, 2022 by Gov. Polis to replace Judge Gomez. From 2006-2020, served as a Deputy State Public Defender. From 2020 until her appointment, she served as Supervising Deputy State Public Defender in Colorado Springs.

Stood for retention in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Marginal

83% of attorneys voted to Retain while 17% voted Do Not Retain.

Caroline Benham

El Paso County

 

No longer on bench as of February 2007.

 

Appointed county court judge in August 1987.

Former social worker.

Stood for retention in 1998. Only 75% of attorneys favored retention.

Apparently she was still serving as a substitute judge as of 2011 where her performance has been rated as “despicable” by at least one attorney.

Lin Billings-Vela

 

Promoted to district judge by Gov. Hickenlooper in July 2015.

 

Appointed county court judge in October 2011. Formerly a magistrate in 4th Judicial District.

Stood for retention in 2014. 89% Retain.

EJF recommendation: Retain

Samorreyan Burney

Division: E

(719) 452-5355

D04_Courts_DivE@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed county court judge in April 2020 by Gov. Polis. Replaced Lawrence Martin. Previously senior deputy district attorney in the 4 th Judicial District.

Stood for retention in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Retain

100% of attorneys voted to Retain with no dissension.

Meredith Patrick Cord

Division: J

(719) 452-5420

D04_Courts_DivJ@judicial.state.co.us

 

Promoted to county court judge in January 2019 by Gov. Hickenlooper. Formerly a magistrate.

Stood for retention in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Retain

88% of attorneys voted to Retain and only 6% voted Do Not Retain.

Geoffrey H. deWolfe

El Paso County

 

No longer on bench as of 2003.

 

Appointed county court judge in 1987.

Stood for retention in 1998. Only 76% of attorneys favored retention.

Samuel Evig

 

Promoted to district court judge by Gov. Polis on August 4, 2021.

 

Appointed county court judge in January 2019 by Gov. Hickenlooper to replace Chris Acker. Prior to appointment he was in private practice but had served as prosecutor in 18 th Judicial District.

Yolanda M. Fennick

Division: B

719-452-5207

D04_Courts_DivB@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed county court judge on October 23, 2021, by Gov. Polis. Replaced Judge Evig. Previously in private practice.

Stood for retention in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

Only a meager 44% of attorneys voted to Retain while the majority, 56%, voted Do Not Retain.

Laura Norris Findorff

 

Promoted to District Court judge by Gov. Polis in April 2021.

 

Appointed county court judge by Gov. Hickenlooper in December 2012. Prior to that she was a magistrate in the 18 th Judicial District.

Stood for retention in 2016. 96% Retain

EJF recommendation: Retain

Stood for retention in 2020.

EJF recommendation: Retain 86%

09DR2993

Indifferent to father's and grandmother's visitation rights for 2-year old child. Ignored evidence and insulted father.

Marika Frady

Division D

719-452-5191

D04_Courts_DivD@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed county court judge by Gov. Polis on July 24, 2024. She was previously in private practice.

Shannon Gerhart

El Paso County

Division H

(719) 452-5193

 

Appointed county judge by Gov. Hickenlooper in March 2017. Replaces Judge Walker. Only prior experience is as a prosecutor and she was a chief deputy district attorney before her appointment.

Stood for Retention in 2020.

EJF recommendation: Retain

95% vote to Retain

Stood for retention again in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Retain

This time just 88% of attorneys voted to Retain while 12%voted Do Not Retain.

Monica Gomez

 

Concerns regarding docket management and demeanor remain.

 

See various comments about her on Clear The Bench.

 

After less than 3 years as a county judge with a checkered record, Gov. Polis promoted her a district court judge effective July 1, 2022.

 

Appointed county court judge in 4 th Judicial District by Gov. Polis on August 29, 2019. Transferred back from Douglas County Court, 18 th Judicial District.

Promoted from magistrate in 4 th Judicial District to Douglas County court judge in 18 th Judicial District in February 2007.

Stood for retention in 2010. 85% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2014.

EJF recommendation: 15% Do Not Retain, and only 71% Retain

Stood for retention again in 2018.

EJF recommendation: Retain 86%

Karla J. Hansen

El Paso County

Division: D

 

Hansen was only CO judge in 2012 rated as Do Not Retain by a Judicial Performance Review Commission

 

This woman did not improve and should have been voted off the bench. But she retired in December 2020 rather than face another retention review.

 

Did not stand for retention in 2020 and retired December 11, 2020. She is not missed!

 

Appointed county court judge in August 2001.

Stood for retention in 2004. 78% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2008. 86% Retain.

Stood for retention again in 2012

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

Stood for retention again in 2016.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

In 2016 only 68% of attorneys voted to Retain and 18% voted Do Not Retain. The commission also noted that 61% of attorney found her biased toward the prosecution.

 

In court she appears to be gender biased against men and veterans in particular.

Barney Iuppa

El Paso County

 

Promoted to district judge in May 2008 by Gov. Ritter. Died 2016.

 

Appointed county judge in 1995.

4 th Judicial District Attorney 1989-1990.

Stood for retention in 1998. Only 69% of attorneys felt he should be retained.

Stood for retention in 2002. A pathetic 60% of attorneys recommended retention.

Stood for retention in 2006. Again only 65% of attorneys voted for retention.

06M2561

Sentenced Marine Corps combat veteran to 1 year in jail because he objected to reading radical feminist hate literature during DV “treatment.”

Steven Katzman

El Paso County

Division F

719-452-5360

D04_Courts_DivF@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed county court judge in May 2021 by Gov. Polis. Replaced Judge Findorff. Previously a municipal judge and in private practice.

Stood for retention in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

Just a pathetic 44% of attorneys voted to Retain while a majority of 56% voted Do Not Retain.

Teresa Kilgore

Teller County

Division T

(719) 689-7360

D04_Courts_DivT@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed county court judge by Gov. Hickenlooper in August 2015. Prior to appointment she served with Colorado Springs Legal Services. Replaced Lin Billings-Veta

Stood for retention in 2018.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

Only a pathetic 64% of attorneys voted to Retain while a full 36% voted Do Not Retain.

Stood for retention again in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Retain

Her performance was greatly improved and 89% of attorneys voted to Retain in this review, but 11% still voted Do Not Retain.

Sylvia Manzanares

 

After consistently low ratings she “retired” in May 2007.

 

Appointed county judge in August 1995.

Stood for retention in 1998. 85% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2002. Only 77% of attorneys voted to retain.

Stood for retention in 2006. Again only 78% of attorneys voted to retain.

Lawrence Martin

 

Retired June 1, 2020. Replaced by Samorreyan Burney.

 

Appointed county court judge in August 1996.

Stood for retention in 1998. 88% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2002. 85+% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2006. 100% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2010. 97% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2014.

EJF recommendation: 87% Retain

Stood for retention again in 2018.

EJF recommendation: 90% Retain

Dennis McGuire

El Paso County

Division: D

719-452-5191

D04_Courts_DivD@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed county court judge on September 17, 2020, effective January 12, 2021, by Gov. Polis to replace Karla Hansen. Previously a magistrate where he presided over Child Support Court and responsible parent program.

Cynthia McKedy

El Paso County

Division: K

719-452-5197

D04_Courts_DivK@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed by Gov. Polis on February 1, 2022 to replace Doug Miles. Previously in private practice and has served as deputy district attorney.

Stood for retention in 2024.

EJF recommendation: Marginal

Just 78% of attorneys voted to Retain but no attorneys voted Do Not Retain.

Doug Miles

 

Retired February 27, 2021

 

Appointed by Gov. Ritter September 2010.

Former prosecutor and hardline DV advocate in that position. Presided over Domestic Violence Court. See comments here.

Stood for retention in 2014.

EJF recommendation: 83% Marginal

Stood for retention again in 2018.

EJF recommendation: Retain 86%

James S. Patterson

 

Retired July 2009.

 

Appointed county court judge in 1991.

Stood for retention in 1998. 90% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2002. 92% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2006. 95% Retain.

D. Denise Peacock

Division: A

(719) 452-5420

D04_Courts_DivA@judicial.state.co.us

 

Promoted to county court judge by Gov. Hickenlooper in January 2019. Formerly a magistrate.

Stood for retention in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Retain

88% of attorneys voted to Retain while 12% voted Do Not Retain.

Jackson L. Peters Jr.

Teller County

 

Retired August 2011.

 

Appointed county court judge in August 1989.

Stood for retention in 2000. 86% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2004. Only 74% of attorneys apparently voted for retention.

Stood for retention in 2008. 96% Retain.

Marla Rochelle Prudek

El Paso County

 

Promoted to district court judge in November 2012.

 

Appointed county judge by Gov. Bill Ritter in July 2009. Replaced Judge James Patterson. Former deputy DA 1987-1989 for El Paso County. Came to the bench from private practice.

Stood for retention in 2012. 90% Retain.

EJF recommendation: Retain

Ann M. Rotolo

El Paso County

Division: G

719-452-5242

D04_Courts_DivG@judicial.state.co.us

 

Promoted from magistrate by Gov. Ritter in May 2008.

Stood for retention in 2010. 94% Retain.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

Her performance drastically deteriorated. Only 70% of attorneys voted to Retain while 22% voted Do Not Retain

Stood for retention again in 2018.

EJF recommendation: 73% Marginal

Stood for retention again in 2022.

EJF recommendation: Marginal

Shows improvement with 84% of attorneys voting to Retain this time. Still 11% voted Do Not Retain.

Stephen J. Sletta

El Paso County

Division: A

 

Reported to be fair and open. Seeks solutions to problems.

 

Did not stand for retention in 2018 and retired in January 2019 after more than 33 years on the bench. However, this dedicated man remains a senior judge as of September 2020.

 

Appointed county court judge in 1991.

Stood for retention in 1998. Only 79% of attorneys, 72% of law enforcement, just 68% of court personnel recommended retention

Stood for retention in 2002. A pathetic 73% of attorneys recommended he be retained.

Stood for retention in 2006. 88% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2010. 100% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2014. 77% Retain.

EJF recommendation: Marginal

Jonathan Walker

El Paso County

Division: H

 

Judge Walker was suspended with pay on November 8, 2016, for claims he “harassed” 3 female court employees after he was critical of their job performance. He was also charged with altering plea agreements, retaliation, and failure to recuse himself. He retired in February 2017 with pay rather than face a disciplinary hearing.

Served with Army Special Forces in Vietnam and Laos.

 

Apparently it is now possible for complaints by feminist's about job performance to force a judge from the stand. Ironically, Walker is a feminist sympathizer.

Retired in February 2017 rather than face disciplinary hearing

 

Appointed by Gov. Bill Ritter in May 2007 to replace Manzanares. Former public defender and member of CO DV offender management board.

Stood for retention in 2010. 84% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2014.

EJF recommendation: Marginal

80% of attorneys voted to Retain but 15% voted Do Not Retain

Regina Walter

 

Her performance was weak from the start and got worse with time.

 

Did not stand for retention in 2018 and stepped down in January 2019. Unfortunately, this mediocrity remains a senior judge as of September 2020.

 

Promoted to county judge in 2008. Former magistrate. Presided over DUI Court.

Stood for retention in 2010. Very weak 73% of attorneys voted to retain.

Stood for retention in 2014. 63% Retain

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

Daniel S. Wilson

Division: C

 

Resigned in August 2017.

 

Appointed county court judge in 2002.

Former deputy district attorney.

Stood for retention in 2004. 84% Retain.

Stood for retention in 2008. 93% Retain.

Stood for retention again in 2012.

EJF recommendation: Marginal 85% Retain, 15% Do Not Retain

Stood for retention again in 2016. 72% Retain.

EJF recommendation: Do Not Retain

Top

Magistrates

Lynn Billings-Vela

 

Promoted to county judge in Teller County in October 2011 and then to district judge in July 2015.

Jill Brady

Division M

 

El Paso County. Promoted to district judge in July 2015.

Daphne Burlingame

 

 

No longer on bench as of October 2022. Presided over the Recovery Court .

Lauren Bynum

El Paso County

Division X

(719) 452-5540

 

Appointed April 2020 to take over family law section.

Jayne Candea-Ramsey

El Paso County

Division V

(719) 452-5248

D04_Courts_DivV@judicial.state.co.us

 

Appointed magistrate in El Paso County in February 2011. Former senior deputy district attorney.

Carol Carter

 

No longer on bench as of February 2007.

Robin Chittum

 

Promoted to district court judge.

 

Fair and patient with citizens. Seeks solutions to problems brought before her. Extensive experience with DV cases and carefully considers facts and testimony.

Meredith Patrick Cord

Division M

 

Promoted to county court judge in January 2019 by Gov. Hickenlooper

Carissa Cruson

El Paso County

VID - Video Advisement

719-452-5524

 

 

Jessica Curtis

 

Promoted to district court judge on July 16, 2019 by Gov. Polis.

Gregory Duncan

El Paso County

Division L

719-452-5410

D04_Courts_DivL@judicial.state.co.us

 

 

Robert C. Erler

 

Retired Air Force Colonel

 

No longer on bench as of September 2014.

 

Warned defendants in DV cases that they will lose their Constitutional rights if they accept a plea bargain.

M. Flynn Feeney

 

No longer on bench as of September 2020.

Monica Jo Gomez

District

 

Promoted to Douglas County (18 th Judicial District) judge in February 2007. Then transferred back to 4 th Judicial District at county judge in August 2019.

E. David Griffith

Probate

 

No longer on bench as of June 2000.

Heard to remark that he could visit Vail and golf at the expense of a ward of the court. Under his direction one trust fund was swindled out of more than $250,000. See problems with probate courts.

Sherri Gryboski

El Paso County

Division M

719-452-5392

D04_Courts_DivM@judicial.state.co.us

 

 

Hilary Gurney

Division: DST

 

Promoted to district court judge by Gov. Polis effective June 1, 2024.

Marcus Henson

 

Promoted to district judge by Gov. Polis on March 20, 2019.

Kristen Hoffecker

Ell Paso County

Probate PR2

719-452-5003

 

 

Barbara Hughes

 

Promoted to district judge in January 2011.

Frances Johnson

 

 

Promoted to district judge by Gov. Polis in October 2019.

David Lindeman

El Paso County

Division S

719-452-5216

D04_Courts_DivS@judicial.state.co.us

 

 

Dennis McGuire

 

 

Promoted to county court judge on September 17, 2020, by Gov. Polis.

Presided over Child Support Court and responsible parent program.

Lara Nafziger

El Paso District

Division: Q

719-452-5401

D04_Courts_DivQ@judicial.state.co.us

 

 

Andrea Paprzycki

El Paso County

Division: CVL

D04_Courts_DivCVL@judicial.state.co.us

 

Deals with issues of money, eviction, and replevin

Karen Parrott

El Paso County

Division: P

719-452-5221

D04_Courts_DivP@judicial.state.co.us

 

 

Denise Peacock

 

Promoted to county court judge by Gov. Hickenlooper in January 2019.

Deborah Pearson

El Paso County

Division N

719-452-5201

D04_Courts_DivN@judicial.state.co.us

 

 

Amanda Philipps

El Paso District/County

 

Promoted to district court judge by Gov. Polis effective January 1, 2024.

Josianne Purchio

El Paso County

Division DST

719-452-5035

D04_Courts_DivDST@judicial.state.co.us

 

 

Vincent Rahaman

 

No longer on bench as of September 2024.

Ann Rotola

 

Promoted to county court judge in May 2008 by Gov. Ritter.

Pamela Sanchez

 

No longer on bench as of October 2022.

Jeffrey O. Saufley

El Paso District

Division Z

719-452-5418

 

 

Scott A. Sells

 

Promoted to district court judge January 2009. Replaces Steven Pelican.

Evelyn H. Sullivan

 

Retired January 2016 after 19 years as a magistrate.

Tom Treinen

El Paso County

Probate PR1

719-452-5003

 

 

William Trujillo

El Paso District/County

Division: R

 

Cares little about impact on citizens and, particularly, military.

719-452-5212

D04_Courts_DivR@judicial.state.co.us

Handles domestic violence cases in El Paso County. Hands out protection orders like tissue paper at the rate of one a minute, but only to females.

Doesn't seek solutions, simply punishment.

A number of cases have been reported where the audio recordings of hearings in his court are “inaudible.”

2010C1180

Even with felony charges of bigamy and forgery against his wife, Trujillo refused to grant a soldier a protection order against her.

Regina Walter

 

Promoted to county judge in 2008.

Jamie Vigil

 

No longer on bench as of September 2024.

Gail Warkentin

El Paso District

Division Y

719-452-5415

D04_Courts_DivY@judicial.state.co.us

 

 

Daniel M. Winograd

 

No longer on bench as of September 2016.

Shawn Witkus

El Paso District/County

Division: NCS

719-452-5252

D04_Courts_DivNCS@judicial.state.co.us

 

 

Sarah Zane

Division O

719-452-5523

D04_Courts_DivO@judicial.state.co.us

 

 

Top


 

| EJF Home | Join the EJF | Comments? | Get EJF newsletter | Newsletters |

| DV Home | Abstract | Contents | Tables | Index | Bibliography |

 

| Chapter 7 — Colorado Judges — Citizen's Review |

| Next — Fifth Judicial District |

| Back — Third Judicial District |


 

This site is supported and maintained by the Equal Justice Foundation.

Last modified 9/10/24