Golden – Jefferson County commissioners have agreed to waive attorney-client privileges so county attorney staff members can speak with state investigators probing 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. – operated by former Denver police Officer Daril Cinquanta – was paid more than $7,500 last year to investigate a county critic and others.
Commissioner Jim Congrove urged former County Attorney Frank Hutfless to use Cinquanta to investigate private citizens and county employees.
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 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. “I’d like for this to be over as soon as possible.”
CBI investigators interviewed several people, including county commissioners, last week. They also reviewed, copied and removed county files.
The commissioners have urged county workers to cooperate with the CBI, and provided a CBI phone number they can call.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
