December 13, 2002

Contact: Lynn Kimbrough,

720-913-9025

REVIEW OF BRIBERY ALLEGATION COMPLETE; NO CHARGES FILED

An extensive and lengthy investigation into an allegation of bribery raised by Jefferson County Sheriff John Stone has been completed and closed without filing criminal charges.  The Denver District Attorney’s Office was appointed special prosecutor after Stone reported that former state representative Joe Shoemaker gave him $1,000 under suspicious circumstances.  Shoemaker has maintained the money was a campaign contribution. 

The investigation concluded that a case of bribery or attempt to influence a public official could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

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*The filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual(s) committed a crime(s) under Colorado laws.  A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  See Colo. RPC 3.6 ____________