Press Release
FAMM calls for investigation of DA’s office in Rogel Aguilera-Mederos case
Media contact:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org
FAMM calls for investigation of DA’s office in Rogel Aguilera-Mederos case
DENVER – FAMM President Kevin Ring released the following statement calling for an investigation into the office of District Attorney Alexis King, which prosecuted Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, by a neutral committee of the Colorado Bar Association.
The lead prosecutor who argued the case recently posted a picture on social media of one of the brakes that failed on Aguilera-Mederos’ truck fashioned into a trophy and featuring a plaque with the case’s citation.
“The 110-year prison sentence imposed on Rogel Aguilera-Mederos was a travesty, but it was a product of a system that too often sees justice as a game,” Ring said. “The role of prosecutors in causing massive injustices does not get enough attention. That needs to change, and it should start with this case. The Colorado Bar Association should investigate the conduct within District Attorney Alexis King’s office.
“Four people were tragically killed because of that failed brake. The young man found responsible for the accident was just sentenced to die in prison. There are no winners here. People should not be receiving grotesque trophies. Justice is not a game — we should stop letting people treat it as such.”
For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.
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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.