The Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline announced formal proceedings against Montezuma County Court Judge Ian MacLaren on Monday, alleging that he misused his power to hold a performative hearing, then lied during an inquiry into his actions.
The article, written by staff writer Benjamin Rubin, also revealed MacLaren’s account of his ties to former Journal reporter Cameryn Cass, who had covered a hearing in which MacLaren opposed a diversionary agreement for Montezuma-Cortez Superintendent Harry (Tom) Burris.
Cass on Monday night disclosed that they were friends. “We were never physically or romantically involved, she said in Rubin’s article. “I was always just trying to get the story and be in the know.”
The coverage of the diversionary hearing was accurate and balanced, and reported the views of the judge and prosecuting and defending attorneys. Still, Journal employees are expected to disclose possible conflicts of interest as they arise. We failed to do that.
The Journal also failed to follow court protocol for photography by obtaining approval for a photo after it was taken, rather than before the hearing began.
We apologize for our lapses. We remain committed to delivering accurate, balanced news stories that uphold our editorial standards.
Executive Editor Trent Stephens,
Ballantine Communications Inc.
