Digging through someone’s trash to steal personal information is now a crime in Colorado punishable by prison and a fine. The little-known state law took effect July 1. Attorney General John Suthers warns that dumpster-diving and “mailbox shopping” are on the rise in Colorado, which ranks fifth in the nation for identity theft.
It’s a good idea to lock free-standing mailboxes and to cross-shred documents containing a Social Security number, password, driver’s license number or other personal information that could be stolen and used for fraudulent purposes.
Destroying old computer discs and hard drives is also critical. Failure to do so could land your information in the wrong hands. Perhaps there is some comfort in knowing that under the new law, a trash thief could pay a $5,000 fine and serve up to 18 months in prison while you’re trying to reclaim your identity. Perhaps not.
Suthers’ office will sponsor a shredding day to show the public how to fight fraud on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Windsor Gardens on East Alameda Avenue. You’re welcome to bring two boxes of documents for shredding.
Avoiding the Denver Boot?
Who had the gumption to sign off on a new state parking garage in the middle of a budget crisis? Colorado will spend $7.5 million starting next year for the four-story garage at 14th and Lincoln. Under a 20-year lease-purchase deal, the state expects to recoup its money by charging state workers $101 a month for each of the 297 parking slots. Still, with some state buildings bulging at the seams, why build a garage?
The state Justice Department, located across the street, is so overcrowded that offices are scattered among three sites. The adjacent Colorado History Museum is in dire need of office and storage space. Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey hinted earlier this year that she’d like to have the museum space when the museum moves.
But museum director Georgiana Contiguglia said that won’t happen anytime soon. “The issue is in limbo at the moment, given the state’s financial situation” and the lack of capital construction money, she said. “I had hoped to see master planning for the Capitol complex; instead there’s a parking garage.”
As to why legislators approved it last year, former Senate Majority Leader Norma Anderson said security was an issue. There is talk of phasing out parking around the state Capitol for security reasons, she said. If that happens, the 100 state lawmakers will need a place to park nearby.
Fury over campaign claim
Newly elected Aspen City Councilman Jack Johnson is a novice to the game of politicking. Johnson got himself into hot water during his May election campaign for stating publicly that he’s an architect.
Johnson said he didn’t mean to imply that he was licensed or was soliciting work that requires a license. He said he has a five-year bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Kentucky, and has completed a three-year internship but hasn’t taken the tests required in Colorado.
A friend of Johnson’s opponent filed a complaint with the State Board of Examiners of Architects, which in turn reported him to Attorney General John Suthers. Suthers’ office recently issued a cease and desist letter warning Johnson to stop claiming he’s an architect. (It’s a crime in Colorado, punishable by up to six months in prison and a $750 fine.)
AG spokeswoman Kristen Hubbell said the board – and state prosecutors – “determined that Johnson engaged in conduct that led the public to believe he was an architect” by making claims during a live television debate and in a published letter. For his part, Johnson says he’s puzzled by the uproar. “I’m an architect, as far as I’m concerned, and I’m appealing the decision,” he said.
Julia C. Martinez (jmartinez@denverpost.com) is a member of The Denver Post editorial board.
