This story by Moe Clark appeared on Colorado Newsline on August 5, 2021
Two firms have been selected to investigate allegations of widespread sexual harassment and gender discrimination within Colorado’s Judicial Branch, as well as claims that a multi-million dollar contract was improperly awarded to a former senior employee.
In early February, allegations emerged that former Judicial Branch chief of staff Mindy Masias was awarded a training services contract in order to prevent her from filing a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit against the department. The alleged misconduct within the Judicial Department was brought to light largely in a series of articles published by The Denver Post starting in 2019.
A state panel recommended Denver-based Investigations Law Group LLC to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination. The firm specializes in workplace and Title IX investigations. A second firm, RCT, Ltd., will investigate the circumstances of the training services contract. RCT, Ltd is owned by Robert “Bob” Troyer, according to the Secretary of State’s office. Troyer served as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado from 2016 to 2018.
The eight-person panel that selected the firms was composed of representatives from the governor’s office, attorney general’s office, and legislative leaders within the state’s General Assembly.
“We are grateful to the panelists for their hard work and dedication in developing the solicitations and reviewing bids,” Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright said in a written statement. “The panel clearly had a difficult choice to make based on the quality of all the proposals submitted.”
Contract negotiations are expected to take several weeks before the formal investigations will begin.
“We will make public the results and recommendations of the investigations, including steps to ensure accountability, fairness and transparency throughout Colorado’s Judicial Branch,” Justice Boatright added.