Steve Boos, a Ben Lammons surrogate and an attorney for the Southern Ute Tribe, recently wrote a letter filled with false statements (Letters, Herald, June 7.) Here’s the truth:
I have great respect for the Southern Ute Tribe and the Tribal Court. I have served as the Southern Ute tribal prosecutor. I know firsthand that the Tribal Court is critical to tribal sovereignty and self-determination. With a competent prosecutor, Tribal Court can appropriately and effectively resolve important matters. But Boos should know that the tribal prosecutor job and the position of district attorney are not equivalent.
The tribal prosecutor handles a few hundred cases annually. The District Attorney’s Office handles approximately 4,000 cases per year with 10 attorneys, 25 employees and a $2 million budget. The maximum possible sentence in Tribal Court, including for homicide and rape, is six months in jail. That’s one reason why major cases occurring on tribal lands go to state or federal courts. Under federal law, the tribal sentences could be increased significantly, but Lammons and Boos have failed to make changes. Instead of improving the system, Lammons brags that the Tribal Court conviction rate has increased 100 percent on his watch.
Finally, Boos falsely accuses me of refusing to prosecute cases when the investigation is started by the Southern Ute Police Department. For Boos to make such a patently false allegation based on his “understanding” (lawyer-talk for a rumor) is outrageous. Perhaps Boos is unaware of the longstanding cooperation between the DA and the SUPD to keep our communities safe. Boos’ political ploy to create conflict between the district attorney and the tribe is against his client’s and the community’s interests. The DA’s office and SUPD will continue to work together regardless of Boos’ corrosive partisan attacks.
Unfortunately, Lammons and his surrogates continue to campaign on negativity, exaggerations and falsehoods. It’s like having a local Donald Trump – without the casinos, the charisma or the hair. Ignore the nonsense and examine what the candidates have actually done to advance justice in your community. Christian Champagne is the obvious choice.
Todd Risberg
Durango
Editor’s note: Todd Risberg is the district attorney for the 6th Judicial District. He is term-limited.
