Carie Hallford update: Return to Nature co-owner expected to change her federal plea
The woman accused of storing nearly 190 decomposing bodies in a funeral home near Penrose is expected to change her federal plea.
Federal court documents filed Monday show Carie Hallford’s trial, which was initially set for September, was canceled.
Tuesday, documents show she requested a hearing to change her plea, which is now set for August 4.
Hallford initially pleaded not guilty to 15 counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for her alleged mishandling of funds for services that were never provided.
Her husband, Jon, pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced to 20 years in prison last month.
Colorado Politics Must-Reads:
Federal judge says prisoner cannot sue for dog-bite injury
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 32 seconds ago
A federal judge concluded last week that a man cannot sue the government for injuries he sustained when a dog allegedly attacked him while he participated in a prison program. Kenneth M. Chandler, representing himself, was participating in the “FIDOS”...
Comprehensive energy permitting reform benefits Colorado, the mountain west | PODIUM
Colorado Politics
colorado-politics@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 10 hours ago
By Ron Dickson Thank you, U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd, for your participation in the Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus and your support of comprehensive energy permitting reform. We also appreciate U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper’s continued efforts to enhance...
Colorado kids will die with CDC’s recent changes to vaccine schedule | OPINION
Colorado Politics
colorado-politics@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 10 hours ago
By Connie Ingram and Lesley Thompson No parent or grandparent should ever face the terror of watching a child fight for their life against a disease that could have been prevented. Yet more families could be put in exactly this...
Solutions right in front of us to solve political extremism crisis | OPINION
Colorado Politics
colorado-politics@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 10 hours ago
By Landon Mascareñaz Everywhere I went these past two weeks, the sentiment was the same: “What are we going to do about political extremism and the conflict in this country?” I heard it from folks on the left, right and...
Denver approves new police uniforms, construction of Cuernavaca Park building
Deborah Grigsby
deborah.smith@denvergazette.com
Updated 2 minutes ago
Denver City Councilmembers made quick work of Tuesday’s agenda, approving resolutions for the purchase of new police uniforms and the construction of a new Denver Parks and Recreation facility at Cuernavaca Park. The $1.5 million contract with Skaggs Companies is...
Federal judge recommends dismissing trans athletics lawsuit by area school districts
Eric Young
eric.young@gazette.com
Updated 16 hours ago
A judge has recommended dismissing a federal lawsuit filed by multiple school districts against the Colorado Attorney General’s and Civil Rights Offices over their policies dictating students’ participation in athletics and activities based on their biological sex rather than gender...
DOJ subpoenas Minnesota officials in ICE probe
The Associated Press
the-associated-press@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 16 hours ago
MINNEAPOLIS — Federal prosecutors served grand jury subpoenas Tuesday to Minnesota officials as part of an investigation into whether they obstructed or impeded law enforcement during a sweeping immigration operation in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, a person familiar with the...
Appeals judge asks Colorado Supreme Court to once again clarify magistrate rules
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 17 hours ago
A member of Colorado’s second-highest court urged the state Supreme Court last week to revise confusing language in the rules governing magistrates, less than two weeks after an attempted cleanup of the rules took effect. Magistrates are judicial employees who are...
Gov. Jared Polis touts Colorado’s ‘significant’ drop in crime in 2025
Marissa Ventrelli
marissa.ventrelli@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 13 hours ago
Gov. Jared Polis is touting a recent report saying Colorado’s overall crime rate decreased by double-digit margins over the past year. “I am thrilled to see our data-driven investments in law enforcement support and crime prevention are working,” Polis said...
UK approves Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ despite espionage concerns
Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner
emily.hallas.washington.examiner@gazetteedit.wpenginepowered.com
Updated 19 hours ago
The United Kingdom on Tuesday authorized a massive new Chinese embassy in London, despite international concerns that the facility could be used to spy on the country. The embassy, set to be China’s largest in Europe, will sit on the...