Colorado Prosecutor Loses Job and Law License Over Text Messages

The recent disbarment of Denver prosecutor Yujin Choi serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of false accusations and professional misconduct within the legal system. Choi’s deliberate actions to falsely accuse her colleague, Dan Hines, of sexual harassment – including fabricating text messages to support her claims – represent a profound betrayal of the legal profession’s core principle: the pursuit of truth.

In 2021, Choi’s misconduct began when she falsely alleged that Hines, a criminal investigator in the Denver District Attorney’s Office, made inappropriate sexual comments toward her. Despite an internal investigation finding no evidence to support her claim, Hines was transferred and told not to contact Choi. The damage to Hines’ reputation was immediate and severe, with Hines describing the experience as feeling like “everything I had lived for and stood for was destroyed.”

Unfortunately, this initial false allegation was only the beginning. In 2022, Choi escalated her accusations, claiming Hines had sent her inappropriate text messages. However, investigators uncovered the deceit after subpoenaing records from Verizon, which showed that the messages originated from Choi’s own device. Choi’s attempts to cover her tracks, including claiming that both her phone and laptop were destroyed in separate water-related accidents just days before they were to be examined, were deemed “not plausible” by the disciplinary panel.

The consequences of Choi’s actions were devastating for Hines, who endured years of professional ostracism and personal turmoil. The toll of living under such accusations, especially in an environment where leadership seemed inclined to believe Choi without sufficient evidence, cannot be overstated. Hines is now pursuing a lawsuit against Denver District Attorney Beth McCann, seeking not only accountability but also systemic changes to the way internal investigations are conducted.

The ruling by the Office of Presiding Disciplinary Judge to disbar Choi sends a strong message about the importance of integrity within the legal profession. As the panel noted, “Unremitting honesty must at all times be the backbone of the legal profession.” When that honesty is compromised, especially in a deliberate and malicious way, it erodes public trust in the justice system – a trust that is already fragile in many communities.

Choi’s case is reminiscent of other high-profile instances of prosecutorial misconduct, such as Mike Nifong’s infamous pursuit of charges against the Duke Lacrosse players despite overwhelming evidence of their innocence. Both cases underscore the immense power prosecutors wield and the devastating consequences when that power is abused. Yet, disbarments for such egregious behavior remain rare, raising important questions about accountability within the legal profession.

The fact that Choi’s actions were allowed to continue for so long, causing irreparable harm to Hines and undermining the integrity of the legal system, is a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and oversight within the legal profession. As Hines seeks justice and systemic change, his case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of truth and integrity that underpin the legal system.

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