Golden – Jefferson County commissioners have agreed to waive attorney-client privileges so members of the county attorney staff can speak with state investigators about the use of public money to hire a private eye.
“Since we give the county and its officials legal advice, we weren’t sure what we could say to investigators,” said Deputy County Attorney Ellen Wakeman.
Professional Investigators Inc. – run by former Denver officer Daril Cinquanta – was paid more than $7,500 last year to investigate several people, including a critic of county officials.
Commissioner Jim Congrove urged former County Attorney Frank Hutfless to use Cinquanta to investigate private citizens and county employees.
Commissioner Kevin McCasky said he joined Congrove and former Commissioner Dave Auburn in approving the surveillance expense.
“Technically, I’m responsible for whatever I vote for,” McCasky said. Hutfless recommended surveillance as the county prepared for litigation against county critic Mike Zinna, McCasky said, adding: “He’s the expert. I said yes to it.”
On Feb. 16, Jefferson County District Attorney Scott Storey asked the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to look into allegations that taxpayer money was misused for surveillance.
McCasky said he did not know of a timetable for the CBI investigation.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
