I hope you all know the story, a colorado ski bum, Charlie Toups. " He was the epitome of ski bums. He was the real deal," said Mike Tierney, a veteran ski patroller at Highlands. Mac Smith, the longtime director of the Highlands patrol, spent a few seasons in the 1970s camping at the base of the ski hill. He remembers Toups with fondness, as a "gentle giant."
True, he was guilty of staying overnight in his vehicle in ski resort property, which the Forest Service did have every right to charge him with, but this is only worth a small fine. Yes, he did have a small amount (just for personal use) of marijuana. But they also charged him with assault on a officer, a SERIOUS CRIME, and now he has been in jail for 2 months and faces 2 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
What DID Charlie do? Forest Service special agent Travis Lunders testified that Toups "became actively resistant in the sense that he tensed up."
Officer Wick described Mr. Toups as shrugging his shoulders, bending his arms, flexing and putting his knuckles together near his stomach, at which time both officers took Mr. Toups to the ground, the snow covered ground, and placed him face-first down," Lunders testified, according to court transcripts.
What did he NOT DO? Lunders wrote in his report detailing the arrest: "At no time was she (Wick) struck by Toups, nor did he attempt to kick, punch or strike either officer."
Still, Toups is facing charges that he "did forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate and interfere with an officer." Add the illegal camping and marijuana charge, and Toups is facing more than two years in federal prison and $250,000 in fines.
Here is information about those perpetrating this evil
Contact US Attorney Michelle Helmyer to let her know that her prosecution of Charlie is a waste of our public resources. Don't let her get away with this BS! Michelle Heldmyer Assistant U.S. Attorney 400 Rood Ave. Suite 220 Grand Junction, CO 81501 Tel: (970) 257-7113 Fax: (970) 248-3630 - Fax email: michelle.heldmyer@usdoj.gov
Michelle's Boss: US Attorney Jeffrey Dorschner email: jeffrey.dorschner@usdoj.gov
