If you're outraged by this lack of justice, sign the petition at Change.org — DA Mark Hurlbert: Don't Drop Felony Charges Against Hit and Run Wealth Manager
A Denver-based financial planner will be charged with two misdemeanor traffic charges, but not felony hit-and-run, after he allegedly hit a bicyclist from behind near Vail, Colorado, and didn't stop.
The prosecutor in the case, District Attorney Mark Hurlbert, said he chose not to seek the felony charges because it would effect the driver's ability to make restitution for medical costs to the New York man who was riding a bicycle.
The victim, Dr. Steven Milo, is “livid” about the case, according to the Vail Daily. Milo objected in writing to the district attorney about the case, which he says “has always been about responsibility, not money.”
“Mr. [Martin Joe] Erzinger struck me, fled and left me for dead on the highway. Neither his financial prominence nor my financial situation should be factors in your prosecution of this case.”
Ironically, prosecutor Hurlbert's biography at the Colorado Fifth Judicial District says:
“He makes victims a priority and is dedicated to providing victims a strong voice in the justice system.”
In this case, it doesn't sound like Milo has much of a voice. No justice here.
Financial planner
The Vail Daily reported that Erzinger is a financial planner with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and manages more than $1 billion in assets for wealthy individuals. The district attorney explained that felony convictions have serious repercussions in Erzinger's line of work that could affect his income and ability to pay for the cyclist's medical expenses.
According to the Vail Daily, Erzinger was driving a black 2010 Mercedes Benz when he struck Milo on his bicycle, then hit a culvert and kept driving. He drove to Avon, some miles away, before calling for a tow truck. He told police he didn't know that he'd struck Milo on his bike. Meanwhile, another motorist came to Milo's aid.
Milo, a surgeon, suffered spinal cord, knee and brain injuries, and has suffered disabling spinal headaches over the past few weeks. He requires surgery for a herniated disc and plastic surgery on his scars. Milo's attorney, Harold Haddon, wrote:
“The proposed disposition is not appropriate given the shocking nature of of the defendant's conduct and the debilitating injuries which Dr. Milo has suffered.”
See also:
VeloNation: Anger at dropped felony charges
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