LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor: Ouray County is in the midst of two sexual assault cases, and I’ve heard a lot of: “trust the judicial process.” I feel a sense of hopelessness with lost faith in the effectiveness of our local law enforcement institutions.
District Attorney Seth Ryan’s office is again bungling a sex assault case in Ouray County, this time by failing to meet court deadlines, resulting in the exclusion of evidence. This is a stupefying failure to perform a fundamental task, and it’s not just a Ouray County problem, it’s across the district.
Ryan is up for re-election in November, and does not yet have a challenger. This is an open plea for a competent attorney who cares about securing justice for victims of crimes to run for district attorney in the 7th District.
Current Ouray County Sheriff Justin Perry, Undersheriff Tammy Stroup and deputies are doing mighty work to repair the community’s trust in the sheriff ’s office after the community recalled and replaced a bad leader, Lance FitzGerald. Today’s sheriff ’s office now has serious investigation capability, and our new law enforcement-based victim advocate has improved victim services, which are just a few of many improvements. But I am furious that trust developed by our current sheriff ’s office is undermined by the district attorney’s failures.
That trust is also being undermined by City of Ouray Police Chief Jeff Wood as he sits on open-ended paid administrative leave. The city is holding off on personnel action until the criminal proceedings against the three defendants is resolved. It is reasonable to presume the city is worried that Wood will sue if he were fired.
I understand attorney guidance to minimize risk and not discuss matters under litigation. But it is the job of community leaders to know when to speak out for the health and sanity of the community. The right thing to do isn’t always the lowest risk thing to do.
I would argue that the city has cause to terminate Wood’s employment. It is well known in the community that his home was a party house where underage alcohol consumption was common, he made disparaging remarks blaming and shaming victims of crimes, strongly expressed his national political beliefs while on the job, refused to follow public health requirements during the pandemic, made inappropriate remarks to women, ignored complaints and more.
I’ll contrast his behavior with excerpts from the Ouray Police Department Code of Ethics: “I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency.”
“I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions.”
It is true Wood has not been charged with a crime, but his actions do not live up to the Ouray Police Department’s Code of Ethics and that should be grounds for termination.
But Wood should not put the city and its citizens in that position. Even if he is returned to duty, a competent leader would recognize that such a set of circumstances undermines his ability to serve the community. If Wood cares about the community more than his own ego, he should resign immediately.
Jake Niece
Ouray County commissioner
Ridgway
