Former editor arraigned

By Perry Swanson
The Metropolitan

The former editor of The Community News pleaded not guilty Dec. 30 to charges of theft and forgery in Denver County Court. His trial is set for Feb. 2.

Denver Police arrested Dennis Archuletta Nov. 29. in connection with theft of a laptop computer valued at $2,600 and forgery of a purchase order for the computer.

Twelve days before his arrest Archuletta told The Metropolitan that other former staff members at the Community College of Denver student newspaper might be trying to frame him by using a computer-generated copy of his signature on the purchase order for the laptop.

Archuletta, who posted a bond of $2,500 on Dec. 5, said before his arrest he felt uneasy because a Denver police detective questioned him aggressively about the incident, as though he was a suspect.

Felicia Sykes, director of Student Activities at CCD, alerted Denver police on Oct. 25 and signed a police offense report naming Archuletta as the main suspect.

Archuletta resigned as editor Nov. 12, complaining that his staff was uncooperative and school administrators offered no help.

ãWhen I needed something, it was like doors were closed,ä Archuletta said.