City to retry 2 activists arrested at parade

The Colorado Springs City Attorney’s Office has decided to retry two of the seven anti-war activists arrested during the downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade.

A Municipal Court jury in August deadlocked on whether the seven were guilty of obstructing a passage or assembly, and the judge declared a mistrial.

A pretrial hearing is scheduled today in Municipal Court.

Eric Verlo and Elizabeth Fineron still face charges that carry a $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail.

A spokesman for the city said the decision was based on which two cases had the best evidence.

“The reason was based on their experience at trial,” said John Leavitt, a city spokesman. “It was projected those two cases had the best evidence to move forward on.”

Verlo had registered to participate in the parade under the name of his business, The Bookman. But when parade officials saw the group marching with anti-war banners, they told the marchers to stop and asked police to remove them.

Fineron, who said she was injured when she was dragged by an officer after she asked for badge numbers, said in a release issued Monday: “We’re the two most likely to sue the city, so that’s why they didn’t drop the charges against us.

“I would consider a settlement, if the Police Department admits its officers acted wrongfully and if the city will consent to undertake a reform of its policies and officer training.”

Leavitt said he could not comment on any potential settlement negotiations.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0110 or dennis.huspeni@gazette.com