Colorado Democrat State Senator charged with felony

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- On August 3, 2022, the Grand Jury for the Fourth Judicial District returned an indictment on Sanford Edmund Lee, also known as Pete Lee.

Lee is an elected Colorado State Senator.

Lee is charged with "one count of providing false information as to his residence, a class 5 felony pursuant to C.R.S. §1-13-709.5," according to the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office.

Lee responded saying, "I have been informed that Republican El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen has alleged that two years ago I violated the voter residence law for voting in a district where he claims I did not reside. There is no accusation of voting at more than one location. I have just recently received the actual charge and have yet to obtain all pertinent information, so I cannot comment on the allegation. I have engaged counsel to evaluate the one charge and related issues."

According to Lee's attorney, Lee was charged by El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen with what Allen claims is voting on one occasion, over 2 years ago, in a district where he did not reside. There are no allegations that Senator Lee submitted two ballots in a single election.

Lee also said that "to avoid having my personal circumstances become a distraction, I have asked the Senate Majority Leader to replace me on the Interim Committees on Judicial Discipline and Behavioral Health in the Criminal Justice System."

Lee's attorney said in a statement that "the charge will be vigorously challenged."

Sen. Lee will have his first court appearance on September 8, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. According to court records, Lee is not in jail at this time.