http://www.kjct8.com/content/news/Group-looks-to-start-campaign-against-retaining-judge-who-overturned-McFaddens-conviction-479225383.html

Group working to stop retention of judge who freed formerly convicted sex offender

By Joey Prechtl

Posted: Mon 9:47 PM, Apr 09, 2018 |

Updated: Tue 10:58 AM, Apr 10, 2018

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO/KJCT)-- A local group is trying to oust the judges who overturned a more than 300-year sentence for a man convicted of sexually assaulting several children.

The group known as 'Justice For All' is looking to start a statewide campaign to stop the reelection Judge Craig Welling in 2020. He was one of the judges involved in releasing Michael McFadden because his right to a speedy trial was violated. The group met for the first time Monday night at Grand Junction City Hall.

"It was really shocking for me to think that there are judges out there when faced with putting the rights of a convicted pedophile over the rights of child victims at the end of the day. That's not acceptable to me,” said Heather Benjamin, the group’s co-chair.

They want Welling ousted because of timing.

"He wanted to set a new jury pool and that couldn't be done in that six-month timeframe of a speedy trial,” said group organizer Janet Rowland.

The group also plans on going after Judge Jones who is up for retention in 2024. The third judge is retired, and while 2020 is still a couple years Rowland said justice never sleeps.

"In fact, we may even be behind the ball. We need to raise money and we're looking to raise $1 million plus dollars for this statewide race,” said Rowland.

They believe the rights of a convicted sexual predator were put before the rights of the victims.

"We'll be looking to find representation from all 64 counties to get our message out,” said Rowland.

Calls to Judge Welling and the Colorado Judicial Department were not returned.

Justice for All does have a website with information about the case and details for people who want to volunteer or donate.

Justice for All website: https://www.justiceforallcolorado.org/

The Colorado Attorney General has petitioned the State Supreme Court to review the case: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/ab952a_9ce9a659d960400280c61c3065f37cd4.pdf

The released pervert was rearrested for not registering as a sex offender in connection with a child sexual assault conviction from 1990: http://www.kktv.com/content/news/Colorado-man-sentenced-to--475480273.html