Aaron Thompson has been indicted on 60 counts involving child cruelty and other crimes, prosecutors announced this morning.
Thompson, 39, was arrested Wednesday and taken to jail after a grand jury indicted him for his alleged involvement in the disappearance of his 6-year-old daughter, Aaroné Thompson, a year and a half ago.
Only one of the 60 counts was announced. The Class II felony charge – child abuse resulting in death – carries a maximum penalty of 48 years.
Arapahoe County District Attorney Carol Chambers asked Arapahoe District Chief Judge William Sylvester to seal the remaining counts until the indictment can be redacted of factual information and names. The redacted version of the grand-jury indictment is expected to be released on the Internet some time this afternoon by the state’s judicial office.
Chambers wouldn’t clarify her position except to say that not all of the 60 counts involved the disappearance of Aaroné. She didn’t elaborate.
Thompson’s case was continued until May 29, when it will be transferred to Arapahoe District Judge J. Mark Hannen.
Thompson, who appeared in an orange prisoner jumpsuit with belly chains and handcuffs, is being held in lieu of $500,000 bond.
Thompson’s attorney, David Lane, withdrew from the case during the court hearing, after Sylvester denied his request to use state money for investigation of the charges.
As Lane withdrew, Sylvester agreed that Thompson is indigent and appointed public defender James O’Connor to represent him.
Lane went on record during the court hearing that Aurora police questioned Thompson repeatedly without an attorney present after they arrested him Wednesday. Lane called the Arapahoe County Detention Facility a “snitch snakepit” and said Thompson has not made any jailhouse confessions.
“He has no intentions of talking with anyone,” Lane said.
The Aurora Police Department is slated to hold a press conference later today.
Summary of the charges against Aaron Thompson:
Child abuse resulting in death (2)
other child abuse (18)
conspiracy charges (11)
accessory charges (2)
providing false information (1)
concealing death (1)
abuse of a corpse (1)
contributing to the delinquency of a minor (7)
assault (17)
