The chief judge for Colorado’s Fifth Judicial District has been charged with felony menacing.
According to court records, 54-year-old Judge Mark Thompson, who presided over courts in Summit, Clear Creek, Eagle and Lake counties, was removed from his position as chief judge after the charges were filed.
Thompson was charged with a single count of felony menacing with a real or simulated weapon after an investigation by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
The case has been suppressed from public view and court documents that are expected to detail the accusation against Thompson have not been made available.
Prosecutors with the Fifth Judicial District Attorney’s Office wrote in a motion requesting the secrecy that it was necessary because Thompson was a public official and “prominent member” of the community.
Judge Paul Dunkelman granted the request for secrecy.
Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Brian Boatright has named Dunkelman to serve as interim chief judge for the Fifth District while the criminal case against Thompson is pending.
Thompson is scheduled to appear in court on December 17th.
