A new era has begun in the District Attorney’s Office for the 11th Judicial District.
Not only is there a new district attorney, but there soon could be some other new faces in the office, as well.
Interim District Attorney Kaitlin Turner was sworn in Monday, along with her deputies and investigator. She will fulfill Molly Chilson’s term, which is set to expire at the end of 2020.
Former Deputy District Attorney Thom LeDoux, who served two terms as the District Attorney from 2008-2016, also has resigned, Turner said, effective Monday. LeDoux told the Daily Record in May that he intended to apply for the position.
Gov. Jared Polis’ press secretary, Conor Cahill, said six individuals applied for the position. The selection was announced Thursday.
Turner said prior to her appointment by the governor, a couple of other deputy DA’s had indicated they intend to move on from the office, as well.
For now, Turner is ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work.
“I am excited,” she said. “I love not only Fremont County, but all of the areas within the 11th District and I am excited to serve all of them.”
Her first order of business will be to meet with her new staff and get settled in with them.
“The second order of business will be reaching out to the law enforcement in the district and meeting with them,” she said. “That is going to be my priority.”
The 11th Judicial District includes Fremont, Custer, Park and Chaffee counties.
It’s still too early to determine if there is one specific case or issue that Turner plans to delve into at this point.
“I want to get into the office and hear from all of my folks about what they think are the pressing issues and where they would like us to start,” she said. “Then from there, we will make decisions together on how to move forward.”
District Judge Ramsey Lama, who conducted the swearing-in Monday, said the position of District Attorney is an important one.
“It was a pleasure having Ms. Chilson appear before me, and I look forward to having you appear before myself and my fellow colleagues,” he told Turner.
Turner, who also serves on the Cañon City Council, with her term set to expire at the end of the year, said she hasn’t decided yet if she will retain her seat.
After Monday’s ceremony, she thanked the courtroom that was full of family, friends, court staff, members of Cañon City Council, law enforcement from Cañon City and Fremont County, and other guests.
“I’m excited and I’m so happy that I get to work behind law enforcement, and the court staff that has been in the 11th for so long, all the deputies and the investigator,” she said, “so let’s get to work.”