The Southern Ute Tribal Council met with United States Attorney for the District of Colorado, Cole Finegan Wednesday, Jan 12. U.S. Attorney Finegan was sworn into office in December and made it a priority to meet with the Southern Ute Tribal Council to discuss important matters to both parties. 

“You have our commitment to uphold the rule of law. My office will help you in any way possible to ensure that justice is being served,” stated U.S. Attorney Finegan. Prior to the position, Finegan spent many years in public service including Chief of Staff for then-Denver Mayor and current Senator John Hickenlooper and Chief Legal Officer for former Colorado Governor Ray Romer. 

Tribal Council spoke of the various cyclical social issues that take place on tribal lands within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation which often leads to violence. Tribal Council expressed the lack of mental health resources and substance abuse/recovery support programs, which often have a trickledown effect placing tribal families in crisis. Finegan reaffirmed his commitment to seeking justice for federal cases on tribal lands, while also maintaining communication with the Tribe including training opportunities for law enforcement and access to funding resources. 

“As United States Attorney, Finegan is the chief federal law enforcement officer in the State of Colorado. He oversees all federal criminal prosecutions, as well as all civil litigation undertaken on behalf of the United States Government. He leads an office of more than 160 attorneys and professional staff members, in addition to approximately 20 government contractors,” according to the Office of United States Attorneys website.