Aurora – District Attorney Carol Chambers says she’s “looked under every rock” for money to compensate victims of serial rapist Brent J. Brents but is coming up short and is considering starting a private fund for all victims of violent crime.
Attorneys for Brents’ victims aren’t sold on the concept and are likely to file lawsuits against Aurora and the 18th Judicial District before the one-year anniversary of the attacks, when the statute of limitations expires.
It’s been almost a year since Brents went on a rampage through Aurora and Denver, attacking and raping women and children. The assaults occurred after a two-month delay in arresting Brents because of miscues within the Aurora Police Department and the judicial district.
The Aurora police chief stepped down, and the city manager and deputy city manager were suspended without pay.
Brents was arrested, convicted and sentenced to hundreds of years in prison.
Chambers said in April that she would help compensate victims and had imposed changes so sex- assault cases wouldn’t fall through the cracks. Aurora agreed to contribute to any compensation and make policy changes.
But victims want to meet with Chambers to ensure the mistakes won’t happen again. And with the approach of the deadline, talk of compensation has stalled any type of settlement.
“First, it was ‘Let’s all do a group hug,”‘ said Will Hood, an attorney for one of the victims. “Now it’s the good, old-fashioned ‘The money isn’t there.”‘
In a letter sent to the victims’ attorneys Dec. 19, Chambers outlined her problem.
“Several of us have talked with the Arapahoe County commissioners about this matter, and the fact is that they simply do not have any funds to spare,” she wrote.
Hood wonders why the Arapahoe commissioners aren’t offering to help.
“I think Carol is trying to act in good faith,” he said. “Her hands are being tied to some extent. (The commissioners) should be asked why they think this is such an inappropriate expenditure of taxpayer money.”
But county spokeswoman Andrea Rasizer said Chambers hasn’t formally asked the commissioners for money.
“The Arapahoe county commissioners have no control over how she spends her money,” Rasizer said.
“I have a commitment to doing what I can,” Chambers said Thursday. “I am very interested in doing some compensation or a fund, not only for these victims, but to give victims money over what victims’ compensation does.”
Chambers said she has heard from several people who are interested in donating to a fund or hosting a fundraiser.
Victims’ attorneys are skeptical.
“Here’s the plan,” said Sean Gallagher, an attorney for a woman who was attacked at her pet store. “Within the next two weeks, all of the plaintiffs will have to decide what to do. … (Chambers) has told us that she plans to set up a foundation. … I will believe it when I see it.”
Staff writer Jeremy Meyer can be reached at 303-820-1175 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com.
