Meet two Colorado cons released early in budget-cutting move

Among the more controversial ways Colorado is saving money during the current budget catastrophe involves the early release of prisoners -- something state Attorney General John Suthers hates, as he made clear during a recent appearance on KHOW. Today, the first eight cons are slated to go free -- a...

By Michael Roberts

September 22, 2009

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Among the more controversial ways Colorado is saving money during the current budget catastrophe involves the early release of prisoners -- something state Attorney General John Suthers hates, as he made clear during a recent appearance on KHOW. Today, the first eight cons are slated to go free -- a move Colorado Springs' KRDO previewed with an introduction to a pair of men who'd committed crimes in El Paso County.

First up: Louis Powers, who was busted on a couple of forgery charges, possession of a controlled substance (meth) and aggravated motor-vehicle theft. He'll be rejoining society 88 days early.

Next: William Toney, who was jailed for first-degree trespassing (he swiped a forty-inch TV and a DVD player) during a period when he was on parole for menacing. The last charge dates back to 2005, when an arrest warrant obtained by KRDO says he pulled a handgun on an ex-girlfriend, said, "I'm gonna shoot you, bitch," then pushed his way into her house and hit her in the face. He's getting out 71 days early.

Welcome back! Sure hope you've been rehabilitated! Watch the KRDO report below.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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