Recall statement of grounds:

In the tragic case of Kaitlyn Weaver, a vibrant 24-year-old Aurora resident, her life was senselessly ended by a 15-year-old, in this country illegally, driving 90 mph in a residential neighborhood. He received just three years’ probation in plea deal handed out by District Attorney Amy Padden. Justice for Kaitlyn and her family demands accountability. In another case a county social worker, Robin Niceta, convicted of seven felonies and three misdemeanors, also received a mere three years’ probation. Amy Padden further undermined trust by dismissing charges against two activists who defied police orders, blocking a major road during a protest. Padden also plans to dismiss charges in an attempted child kidnapping case, potentially releasing a mentally incompetent registered sex offender back into our community despite her authority to hold them in state custody until fit for trial. This all happened in her first six months in office. These decisions favor the accused over public safety. It’s time to recall District Attorney Amy Padden and demand a justice system that protects Arapahoe County and honors victims like Kaitlyn.

Incumbent statement of justification:

As your District Attorney, I have focused on seeking justice for victims and making our communities safer. In the past six months, we obtained a life sentence for the Aurora dentist who poisoned his wife, a 36-year-to-life sentence for a human trafficker, and a 99-year-to-life sentence for a kidnapping and sexual assault case. We have filed thousands and tried over 100 cases this year, including homicides, DUIs, domestic violence, financial crimes, and sexual assault. During 2025, car theft rates and homicide rates have decreased, and I will soon announce a new initiative to combat a recent increase in vehicular homicides.

I also sought and obtained additional resources to support victims, including 10 additional employees to ensure the orderly transition of domestic violence cases that the Aurora City Council shifted to my office. We also added an additional staff member to assist victims seeking compensation and support services. I have met with victims personally to ensure that I am seeking justice for them and will continue to do so throughout my term.

Where I have identified weaknesses in the system, I have implemented new processes in the office and sought reform where appropriate. For example, in cases where mental competency is raised, courts are required by state law to dismiss the charges if a defendant is incompetent and unlikely to be restored or to maintain competency. A District Attorney does not have “authority to hold [a defendant] in custody until fit to stand trial” as asserted above. Only the Judge has that authority, and I am speaking with victims and other community leaders to advocate for changes in the statute.

I look forward to continuing to serve as your DA and will continue to seek justice for victims and make Arapahoe County a safer place to live.

Recall election cost estimate:

The Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder estimates that the cost to run a recall election for the 18th Judicial District Attorney's office would be a total of $863,280.