A member of the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office is resigning from her position to take on the role of district attorney in Colorado’s beleaguered 12th judicial district.
On Monday, Gov. Jared Polis announced that Anne Kelly, Senior Deputy District Attorney for the judicial district covering Boulder County, would be appointed District Attorney for the 12th Judicial District, which covers the San Luis Valley in south central Colorado.
Former District Attorney Alonzo Payne resigned from the 12th Judicial District following a state investigation that found a pattern of Victim Rights Act violations in his office.
Since then, the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council and the 21 elected district attorneys of Colorado have worked with Attorney General Phil Weiser to assist that office and the community.
Over the past several weeks, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office and many others partnered with the Attorney General to provide prosecutors and support in that judicial district. As part of the effort, Boulder County’s Senior Deputy District Attorney Anne Kelly spent time working in the San Luis Valley.
While there, Kelly recognized the need for a strong chief law enforcement officer to restore trust in the justice system, ensure consequences for criminal conduct and fight for victims, according to a release from 20th Judicial District Attorney Michael Dougherty.
“It is a loss for our office because Anne is terrific, but she will be an outstanding District Attorney for the victims, community members and law enforcement officers of the 12th Judicial District,” Dougherty said. “I am grateful for all she has done for our office and Boulder County. Anne is a tireless advocate for justice, and she will be a great leader for the District Attorney’s Office in the 12th (Judicial District).”
