HIV POSITIVE MAN CHARGED WITH PROSTITUTION

Denver Daily News staff report

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

HIV POSITIVE MAN CHARGED WITH PROSTITUTION: Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey has formally charged a man accused of prostitution with knowledge that he is infected with HIV. Darren Garcia, 29, is charged with prostitution with knowledge of being infected with acquired immune deficiency syndrome as well as possession of a controlled substance. The charges allege that on Nov. 6, Garcia offered to perform sexual acts in exchange for $50, and during the investigation he was also allegedly found to be in possession of crack cocaine. Garcia has been arrested and charged for similar acts numerous times. Garcia remains in custody in the Denver County Jail; his bond is set at $75,000. He is scheduled to appear in Denver County courtroom 12T for a formal advisement of the charges on Friday at 9 a.m.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA ADVOCATES REJOICE OVER COURT DECISION: Medical marijuana advocates yesterday rejoiced over a district court decision overturning a Board of Health move to place tight restrictions on caregivers. The court ruled that the health department had held meetings in secret, violating the law. Medical marijuana caregivers can continue to simply provide medical marijuana for patients and are not required to provide supplementary services, as had been ordered by the health department.

AARON THOMPSON SENTENCED: Aaron Thompson, 42, was sentenced yesterday to more than 100 years in prison after being found guilty of fatal child abuse in the death of his 6-year-old daughter Aarone. The sentencing comes nearly four years after his daughter was reported missing. Thompson had told police the girl ran away, but evidence proved otherwise.

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY: The public is invited to a Veterans Day ceremony to be held at 11 a.m. this morning at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Elected officials, representatives from the military services, veterans and their families will join for a traditional wreath laying and comments by Gov. Bill Ritter and other elected officials.

THANK YOU CARD: The American Red Cross Mile High Chapter invites the public today to sign a gigantic “thank you” card to the members of our Armed Forces in honor of Veterans Day. The card Ń a 10-foot by 12-foot banner thanking our servicemen and women for their sacrifice Ń will be presented to members of the Colorado National Guard when they return home this spring from a one-year deployment overseas. From businessmen to the Broncos, soccer moms to social celebs, everyone is encouraged to sign the card to thank them for their service. The banner will be unveiled for signing from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. outside of the Rock Bottom Brewery on the 16th Street Mall.

BENNET: ENACT COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REGULATION REFORM: U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., yesterday joined members of the Senate Banking Committee in a push to enact comprehensive financial regulation reform that creates new, “common-sense rules of the road” for Wall Street, protects consumers, and helps to strengthen the economy. At an event to unveil the discussion draft for financial regulation reform, Bennet highlighted the difficulty that the financial collapse has had on the lives of Colorado families and small businesses, and underscored the fact that “taxpayers should not be responsible for saving institutions that are too big to fail.”

KEFALAS AT VETERANS DAY EVENT: State Rep. John Kefalas, D-Fort Collins, will be a panelist at a special Veterans Day event on the CSU campus this evening. A VIP reception from 6-7 p.m. will take place with CSU President Dr. Tony Frank, followed by a panel at 7 p.m. on contemporary issues of student veterans in higher education in the West Ballroom of the Lory Student Center.

‘DYNASTY’ AT PARAMOUNT THEATRE TODAY: Sixty years ago, an adventurous man with a pair of wooden boards strapped to his feet and an 8mm-movie camera in his hand changed the way we thought about snow. Today, Warren Miller is the most recognized name in the ski industry, and Warren Miller Entertainment hosts the largest action sports film tour on the planet. The tour will land in Denver today with “Dynasty” at the Paramount Theatre. For showtimes and more information, visit WarrenMiller.com.

CITY GOVERNMENT CLOSURES: In observance of Veterans Day, most City and County of Denver offices will be closed today. Those offices include trash and recycling collection; workforce centers; 3-1-1 information line; animal shelter and animal control; recreation centers; Denver county motor vehicle offices; marriage licenses, excise and licenses, public works permit counters; building permits, zoning permits, building/zoming/neighborhood inspection services; wastewater management; courts; libraries; and the Denver Elections Division. Free parking at meters today.

* Sponsored Links *