KPD is not a large department, but it won’t go empty with the chief on leave. He started at the Post in 1986, at the old building on 15th and California streets. However, in his letter to town officials, Karzen said all other KPD officers remain “in good standing as far as the DA’s office is concerned,” and Karzen even encouraged those officers to reach out to the district attorney’s office for legal advice when needed. The importance of the Headwaters Trail Alliance, Painting from the heart with Linda Israel– the full interview, Ghostwood Interiors honored with Shining Stars of VR Award, Grand Adventure Brewing Company comes to Kremmling. Because "he's going to be an All-Star". I think that a DA’s office that can dictate how a community polices itself and offers services to their community members is being stomped on today and they have not allowed this community to be a community.”. Kremmling Police Chief Jamie Lucas reacts during a special town council meeting at Kremmling Town Hall in December. In addition to the two KPD officers, the sheriff’s office will continue handling some law enforcement responsibilities in Kremmling, said Lt. Dan Mayer, spokesman for the sheriff’s office. If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted. As for everyone who made a point to support Lucas on Friday, he was grateful for their presence. bhicks@townofkremmling.org. During a special meeting Friday, Kremmling Town Council was clear its decision to pull Lucas off the job for the time being doesn’t reflect a lack of faith in him or his police work. “All of the official misconduct and official oppression charges relate to conduct that Mr. Lucas is alleged to have undertaken in his official capacity as a law enforcement officer,” the DA’s office said in a news release. Kieran Nicholson covers breaking news for The Denver Post. The Kremmling police chief has been charged with official misconduct and false reporting to authorities in connection with an animal cruelty case. Will trend survive Thanksgiving? “Do I agree with it? In their remarks, residents at Friday’s special meeting praised Chief Lucas and what he’s done for the community since taking the job in summer 2018. “In doing this, Chief Lucas subverted the lawful legal process the (sic) would have involved not only our Office, but the District Attorney’s Office and Grand County Courts as well.”. On Nov. 25, the sheriff’s office asked the DA’s office to “investigate the handling of a felony animal cruelty case,” according to a sheriff’s news release. According to an opinion from State of South Carolina: “In this judicial disciplinary matter, (Lucas) and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) have entered into an Agreement … In the agreement, (Lucas) admits misconduct and consents to a public reprimand. The former Kremmling Chief of Police was placed on administrative leave in late December 2019, before the town board decided not reappointed the chief in April 2020. Allington Inn & Suites August business of the month, An Open Letter to the Grand County Community, Cross-boundary fuel break and hazard tree removal to begin on Sheep Mountain, Jen Fanning to participate in the Nonprofit Sabbatical. “Chief or no chief, it doesn’t matter. Lucas said he felt “targeted” by the DA’s office, and he doesn’t know where he goes from here other than he’ll have to seek legal advice as he looks to challenge this. The meet and greet will likely start at 6:00pm, and the venue is TBD.” He said urgent and emergency calls in town will continue to see a response from the sheriff’s office when a KPD officer is not on duty. Must have valid CO drivers license. This is not the first time Lucas has faced disciplinary action as a public official. High school…, Maintenance Technician(s) Granby & Winter Park The maintenance technician position is responsible for performing routine building maintenance tasks in more…, Alderwood is looking to hire a * FT Maintenance Manager * FT Maintenance Technician. Getting Brady listed has been likened to “a scarlet letter” for police officers in Colorado after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1963 that prosecutors are required to disclose any exculpatory evidence to the defense, including information about witnesses’ credibility. Our Community! Full benefits/competitive pay. Councilman Leo Pesch cast the lone vote against putting Lucas on paid administrative leave on Friday. This is against the town. Town Manager Dan Stoltman said Kremmling currently has three officers including Lucas. Grand County Sheriff’s officials released a letter asking the district attorney’s office to investigate the handling of a felony animal cruelty case. Hours are dependent on snow and…. Readers around Grand County make the Sky-Hi News' work possible. Todd Willson a former Kremmling Police officer Stoltman says, “We will conduct the final round of interviews on Tuesday, September 1, and will host an informal community meet and greet with candidates that same day following the conclusion of the interviews. The animal cruelty investigation began with an anonymous tip to the West Grand School District and Kremmling Police Department about possible abuse through the state’s Safe2Tell hotline on Nov. 4. “If they need a cop, we’re going to send one,” Mayer said. Police Officer. Because one is new, the other two KPD officers are currently functioning as a single unit. After the votes were cast, Lucas and his wife were visibly shaken by town council’s decision. The alleged abuse was reportedly caught on a video that made rounds at West Grand High School before a tipster alerted authorities on Nov. 4. (He) has also resigned his position and has agreed never to seek nor accept a judicial office in South Carolina without the express written permission of this Court after written notice to ODC. They also accused the DA’s and sheriff’s offices of having it out for Lucas and the Kremmling Police Department before Lucas ever came on board. Why have models of Colorado’s coronavirus trajectory been off? Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. During a special meeting Friday, Kremmling Town Council was clear its decision to pull Lucas off the job for the time being doesn’t reflect a lack of faith in him or his police work. Shop Local on Small Business Saturday Nov. 28. Kremmling Town Council elected not to reappoint Police Chief Jamie Lucas on Wednesday. Click here for Police Officer … Public health struggles with capacity as local COVID cases remain high, Grand Lake honors two for longtime service on planning commission, CPW seeks info on Moffat County poaching of 7 elk, Feedback sought for proposed USFS projects, Winter Park in the works to expand COVID-19 testing, Grand County imposes 10 p.m. curfew to combat COVID-19, Health department reports 38 new cases of COVID-19 in Grand. Stoltman declined to go into detail about what role the town’s insurance provider has to play in this dispute. kpdchief@townofkremmling.org. While none of the correspondence obtained by the Sky-Hi News specifically mentions the “Brady list,” Karzen confirmed over the phone that he is putting Lucas on the his office’s Brady list. The Times-Call reported in 2018 that Colorado expanded on the Brady ruling by requiring state prosecutors to be even more forthcoming with defense teams, including disclosing officers who have histories of untruthfulness or misconduct. The letter was sent in November of 2019. And if cases are not being adjudicated, those victims could win lawsuits against the town, council members said. Apply within at…, Staff Accountant We are seeking a full-time staff accountant to join our team. Benefits: 10 day paid vacation, Holiday…, Alderwood is looking for a FT Housekeeping Supervisor. In January 2008, Lucas was arrested in Lexington County, South Carolina, on a petty theft charge after he allegedly took a statue from a home with two other people. The Grand Gazette is hometown news at its best for Kremmling, Colorado. In response to Shafer’s concerns, the district attorney requested the Fraser Winter Park Police Department conduct an independent investigation into how Chief Lucas came to cite the juveniles into municipal court “for what appears to be a felony animal cruelty incident that occurred outside KPD’s jurisdiction.”. On Friday, Lucas’ supporters wondered why the DA’s office didn’t request an agency outside Grand County conduct the investigation into Lucas, who himself pointed out that he’s spearheaded other successful investigations spanning multiple jurisdictions. “This just feels so, (it’s) putting Kremmling over a barrel,” said Grand County Commissioner Kris Manguso, who was among the supporters. Neither Lucas nor Fraser Winter Park Police Chief Glen Trainor would comment about the ongoing investigation into the police department’s actions. This position is full time year round with…, CUSTODIAN Multiple Evening Positions Starting pay $14.25 to $15.55 Depending on education & experience. “The first being that Chief Lucas knowingly initiating an official prosecution proceeding in municipal court in which there is no jurisdiction to do so,” Schafer wrote. Almost a dozen residents attended Friday’s special meeting even though the agenda called for most of it to be conducted behind closed doors.