Dealer To Serve 45 Days in Leadville Man’s Death

Investigation Connects Communication for Conviction

On Thursday, Feb.22 the following press release was distributed to media outlets by 5th Judicial District Attorney Bruce Brown’s office. Leadville Today did reach out to both the defendant and the victim’s family for comment, should they choose to make a statement it will be added to this report.

Shawn Brecka, 50, of Ft. Collins, was sentenced Feb. 18th from a Jan. 7th guilty plea of Drug Felony (Class 3) involving the drug overdose death of Gregory Ulmen, 32, of Leadville.  First responders went to Mr. Ulmen’s residence April 8, 2019, finding him deceased in his bed — of a drug overdose.   Later toxicological analysis revealed morphine, codeine, oxycodone and alcohol in his blood, consistent with a heroin overdose.

As the Leadville Police Department began their investigation into the death, they found a series of texts (particularly in the April 2019 timeline) between Mr. Ulmen and Defendant Brecka.  Upon questioning, Brecka admitted to using heroin, and selling methamphetamine to others to fund her drug habit.  Text messaging also revealed that Brecka was selling heroin to the Deceased just hours before his death.

“Supplying illegal drugs to someone has consequences,” said Bruce Brown, 5th Judicial District Attorney.  “Lives are damaged and relationships harmed by this lifestyle of buying and selling, and my office will do what it can to hold sellers responsible for the damage they cause,” he added.

At the sentencing hearing, Brecka received 4 years probation, 90 days in jail with 45 days allowable on electronic home monitoring, 120 hours of Useful Public Service, and nearly $5K in Court costs and fees.  Sentencing leniency on a charge that carries up to six years in the Department of Corrections was predicated upon the defendant having engaged in extensive substance abuse treatment, including an in-patient program.

Language Access Summit Seeks Proposals

The Colorado Language Access Summit (CLAS) Planning Committee is accepting proposals for one plenary presentation and several breakout sessions for the inaugural Colorado Language Access Summit on Oct. 2, 2020. The goal of the summit, to be held at the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center in Denver, is to bring together judicial officers, court and probation staff, attorneys, and others who work with interpreters to promote a better understanding of working with an interpreter.

At the 2020 Colorado Language Access Summit, individuals will participate in language access training, learn best practices, learn about the history of language access, understand the interpreters’ code of ethics, participate in statewide discussions on working with interpreters, practice using an interpreter to communicate, and learn from a panel of language access experts. The committee is seeking presentation proposals for 75-minute breakout sessions and one 90-minute plenary presentation/session that provide basic and high-level concepts and practical applications in a variety of topics.

Proposals should focus on why language access is important, how to best work with interpreters for clear records, interpreters’ ethical guidelines, remote interpreting, and translations. Priority will be given to proposals that show relevance to language access, have clear and focused learning objectives, exhibit knowledge, apply adult learning styles in session design, and can qualify for continuing legal education credits.

• Deadline for Proposals: To be evaluated by the Planning Committee, proposals must be submitted by March 13, 2020.
• Acceptance of Proposals: The Planning Committee will select presentations for the conference by April 10, 2020. The conference agenda will be finalized by May 1, 2020.

Questions may be sent to beth.angel@judicial.state.co.us

Become a CASA Volunteer

Colorado CASA is a network of 18 programs across the state which advocate for children in the child welfare system. These programs range from serving a few children to hundreds, and have from one staff member to over thirty. They encompass metro and rural areas, children and families of all ethnicities and financial positions, and handle challenges of geography and resources across the state.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) receives special training and is appointed by a Judge as an Officer of the Court. Volunteers advocate for youth who have been abused and/or neglected. They focus on one youth at a time and as a result, they bring a great depth of understanding and empathy.

The State Office is an independent 501(c)3 membership organization that provides general network support to all the CASA programs in the state. It has four strategic focuses: Large-Scale Pass-Through Fundraising, Brand Awareness & Events, Data, and Legislative.