Challenging and Uncertain Times
Friends and Neighbors,
Our Response
The Denver District Attorney’s Office is doing its part regarding COVID-19. We have adjusted how we work to balance the need for social distancing with our mission of holding offenders accountable while supporting victims. I have asked all employees who are able to work from home to do so and have considerably reduced the number of people in the office and in the courts.
In support of the emergency order issued by Chief Justice Coats, we are likewise balancing the need to staff the courts with the goal of reducing head count. The Chief Justice has continued all jury trials, except those criminal trials that have speedy trial concerns, until mid to late May. The Colorado District Attorneys’ Council has asked the Chief Justice to allow for waiver of speedy trial due to these exceptional circumstances so that jury trials can be continued. It is going to be very difficult to seat a jury given the circumstances.
I have asked the courts to conduct business moving forward remotely so that attorneys, staff, witnesses and victims do not have to appear in the courts. The presiding judges of county and district courts are working on this over the weekend and are moving in this direction. In my office, we are asking attorneys to analyze cases to try to dispose of as many as possible while being mindful of accountability and public safety.
In addition, we are actively working with defense attorneys and the courts to release some inmates who are at high-risk of COVID-19 (pregnant women and those age 60 and older) and who have little time left on their sentences and agreeing to in-home detention in appropriate circumstances. As of today, there are no known cases of the virus in the city or county jails.
We are carefully considering the circumstances of individuals and the potential charges at bond hearings in order to agree to release in as many cases as appropriate. As always, we first consider the safety of the community in making these decisions.
#COVID19 Scams
We’ve seen how times like these bring out the best in good people, but unfortunately they also bring out the worst in some people. Scammers are jumping on our vulnerabilities.
We’re shining a light on one scam in particular surrounding the federal stimulus checks. The propsed plan to give a check to every American has the scammers eyeing your cash. Remember: NEVER give your personal information to someone who calls you.
Read more here:
Cybercriminals are attempting to take advantage of the COVID19 situation by launching fictitious websites.
Here are two examples:
- On March 13, 2020, a notification of a malicious website pretending to host a map of Coronavirus cases around the world actually contained the AZORult Trojan that will steal information, including sensitive data.
- A malicious android app that pretends to be a Coronavirus Tracking App, is actually ransomware that will infect the phone and lock it until payment is received.
Threat actors will likely continue to come up with new methods to exploit the coronavirus event. As many of you seek information, please be vigilant and exercise caution when researching the coronavirus. Utilize legitimate sources like the CDC to ensure you receive legitimate up to date information.
Resources
Below are some important resources and information:
- General Health Concerns
Get general information about COVID-19 from the Colorado Department of Health or call CO-HELP at 303-389-1687; interpretation available at 1-877-462-2911 or from the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment.
- Small Business and Workers
Colorado small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can seek individual small business loans up to $2 million as part of the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. See if you qualify, visit benefits.gov
If you have been laid off due to a business closure related to COVID-19, are experiencing wage reductions or are working fewer hours, you can file a claim with Employee resources from the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, including information on paid sick leave.
- Rental Assistance
The City and County of Denver offers the following assistance:
Property Tax & Rent Relief Program – for residents older than 65, people with a disability, or low-income residents.
Temporary Rental & Utility Assistance (TRUA) – emergency rent and utility payments for those who qualify.
- Utility Assistance
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) – offers eligible residents help with a portion of their winter home heating bills.
Comcast is offering affordable high-speed internet through their Internet Essentials program for qualified customers.
Denver Water and Xcel Energy have pledged to suspend utility shut-offs for non-payment while we remain in a state of emergency.
- Food Assistance for Students and Families
Denver Public School students and family members can receive free ‘grab ‘n go’ meals at twelve sites. Breakfast is available from 8-9 a.m., and lunch is available from 12-1 p.m.
The locations are:
Abraham Lincoln High School, 2285 S Federal Blvd
Valverde Elementary School, 2030 W Alameda Ave
Joe Shoemaker School, 3333 S Havana St.
Place Bridge Academy, 7125 Cherry Creek N Dr.
Cowell Elementary School, 4540 W 10th Ave
North High School, 2960 Speer Blvd
STRIVE Prep – Sunnyside, 4735 N Pecos St
Bruce Randolph School, 3955 Steele St
Denver Center for International Studies – Baker, 574 W 6th Ave
Manual High School, 1700 E 28th Ave
The Evie Dennis Campus, 4800 Telluride St
The Montbello Campus, 5000 Crown Blvd
Hope
I know many of you are eager to step up and serve our community. Below is some volunteer information:
Help Colorado Now: If you would like to donate or volunteer in the fight against COVID-19, head to HelpColoradoNow.org.
Blood donors needed. Donor eligibility here; make an appointment, here.
Those of you who are suddenly unemployed can find temporary employment and provide valuable service. Governor Polis announced on Friday that following businesses are hiring:
King Soopers is looking to hire people to help restock shelves, bag groceries, unload trucks, and more at its stores statewide.
Domino’s Pizza is looking to hire in stores and factories, including chefs, customer service representatives and managers.
Amazon is hiring 100,000 full and part-time workers nationwide at their fulfillment centers and for delivery.
Safeway is hiring delivery drivers and distribution center employees.
The U.S. Postal Service is offering full-time career positions with benefits and looking to hire for 200 positions in Denver, immediately.
