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March 28, 2009 -- Denver Post (CO)

Wanted: Snitches For Hire

Eagle County's Sheriff Runs A Newspaper Ad For Informants And Has Received Several Calls

By Kirk Mitchell

Return to Drug War News: Don't Miss Archive

Original: http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_12015786

An Eagle County employer not only promises to overlook a prospective employee's crime connections, it prefers you have them.

"Wanted: people who hang out with crooks," the Vail Daily classified ad says.

"Drug use and criminal record OK. Must be willing to work odd hours."

The classified ad, paid for by Eagle County Sheriff Joe Hoy, is apparently designed to appeal to the sophisticated confidential informant-newspaper subscriber in the posh ski resort town.

"Make some extra cash . . . ," the classified ad says. "Give us a call and we will work out the details -- confidentiality is guaranteed."

More than a dozen people already have called in hopes of earning between $100 and $1,000 for turning in burglar pals not intimidated by elaborate security systems guarding Vail's multi million dollar homes.

Eagle County Sheriff's Lt. Mike McWilliam acknowledges that Sheriff Hoy stole the idea from some cops in Albuquerque who have had success enticing snitches to come forward with identical ads.

The "CIs" will have to earn their pay in Eagle County.

"Just saying 'Joe Blow' is a drug dealer is not enough," McWilliam said.

Kirk Mitchell: 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com

Also visit our "Informants: Resources for a Snitch Culture" section.

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