From 9NEWS (Denver): Adams County commissioners paid out nearly a quarter million dollars of taxpayer money to three former employees of the district attorney’s office, but all those publicly-elected officials refuse to provide 9NEWS with documents that would explain why the payouts were necessary.

A portion of the money went to the law firm representing the three employees.

“We have provided what our county attorney believes meets the statutory obligations with no intent to cover anything up,” said Jim Siedlecki, director of public information for Adams County.

9NEWS filed open records requests asking the commissioners — and the county attorney — to provide documents that would explain the $83,333.33 each of the three former district attorney’s office employees received in 2014.

One of them, Caryn Datz, is currently running against District Attorney Dave Young for the district attorney’s seat.

Two other employees, Corinne Magid and Daniel Kopper, also received payouts.

The county provided 9NEWS severance agreements and checks and state the three employees voluntarily resigned effective Oct. 31, 2013.

9NEWS asked for the resignation letters, as well as intent to sue documents and any paperwork the commissioners would have been aware of in order to pay out any amount of taxpayer money.

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