February 5,  2004

Contact:

Lynn Kimbrough, 720-913-9025

DAD SENTENCED FOR SMOKING DOPE WITH HIS KIDS

Jackie Ellison (DOB: 9-4-76) was sentenced today for smoking marijuana with his two young children, a 6-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl.

Ellison, who pleaded guilty earlier to contributing to the delinquency of a minor, was given 6 years probation.  The conditions of his probation include no contact with his children, he must take parenting classes, and he must undergo substance abuse treatment. 

Denver Deputy DA Carlos Samour was the prosecutor on this case.  He spoke at the sentencing and asked the judge to sentence Ellison to prison time.  Judge Robert Hyatt declined, saying limited prison space needed to be reserved for more dangerous defendants.  But, Hyatt chastised Ellison saying, “You are an idiot.”   Ellison will have to petition the court in the future for permission to have contact with his children.

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