Colorado Victim Advocate Accused of Victimizing Victims
The 16-year veteran was the assistant victim advocate coordinator for the Adams County Sheriff’s Department. She has been charged with multiple felonies for using gift cards intended for crime victims to pay for necessities. She was videotaped at various stores making purchases for herself.
When confronted, the woman is reported to have said that she stole the cards because “she was hurting for money.” She said she knew it was wrong and that she would repay the money. It is believed that the cards were used only in July and August.
She has been placed on administrative leave without pay, pending resolution of the charges against her of embezzlement, theft and official misconduct.
It is mind-boggling that in an economy with an unemployment rate approaching ten percent a person would jeopardize her long-held job for a few packs of cigarettes. Still, let’s not forget that the law clothes the accused with the presumption of innocence. And, this fundamental constitutional right applies whether one agrees with it or not and whether or not there is a purported confession. See if you can wrap your mind around that concept.