The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado has announced that Sharon Robinson, a 40-year-old woman from New York, has been charged with making threatening calls to LGBTQ businesses in Denver and Glendale. The defendant allegedly made multiple calls just weeks after a tragic shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, threatening to “shoot your bar up” and using anti-LGBTQ slurs. The Grand Jury determined that the defendant intentionally targeted her victims based on their sexual orientation. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Denver Police Department, and the Glendale Police Department, with Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Fields handling the prosecution. The defendant’s initial appearance is scheduled for May 24, 2023.
Arrest and Charges
Sharon Robinson, a 40-year-old woman from New York, has been arrested and charged with making threatening calls to LGBTQ businesses in Denver and Glendale. The charges were brought against her by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Robinson is accused of making multiple threatening calls to at least four businesses catering to the LGBTQ community, shortly after the tragic shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs. The calls included various threatening comments, such as “shoot your bar up” and “you’re gonna be shot up like Club Q,” along with anti-LGBTQ slurs.
Allegations in the Indictment
The indictment against Sharon Robinson contains several allegations regarding her threatening calls to LGBTQ businesses. It states that she intentionally selected her victims based on their actual and perceived sexual orientation. This finding was made by the Grand Jury, and it enhances the seriousness of the charges. Additionally, the indictment highlights the impact of the calls, especially considering they occurred in the aftermath of a tragic shooting targeting the LGBTQ community. The allegations in the indictment form the basis of the legal case against Robinson.
Threatening Calls to LGBTQ Businesses
According to the indictment, Sharon Robinson made multiple threatening calls to LGBTQ businesses in Denver and Glendale. These calls were made just a few weeks after the shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, which added another layer of fear and vulnerability to the LGBTQ community. The calls contained explicit threats of violence, including statements like “shoot your bar up” and “you’re gonna be shot up like Club Q.” Such threatening and derogatory language not only endangers the businesses themselves but also instills fear within the LGBTQ community as a whole.
Targeting Victims based on Sexual Orientation
One of the most disturbing aspects of the case against Sharon Robinson is the intentional targeting of victims based on their sexual orientation. The Grand Jury found that Robinson specifically selected LGBTQ businesses as her targets. This kind of targeted harassment and intimidation exacerbates the vulnerability and fears experienced by the LGBTQ community. It underscores the need for robust legal protections for marginalized communities and highlights the persistent discrimination and bigotry that many continue to face.
United States Sentencing Guidelines
The United States Sentencing Guidelines recommend higher sentences for crimes that involve targeting victims based on their sexual orientation. This recognition of the serious harm caused by hate crimes ensures that appropriate punishments are imposed to deter such conduct. These guidelines take into account the unique impact hate crimes have on targeted communities and seek to provide a just response. The application of these guidelines in the case against Sharon Robinson will be a crucial factor in determining the severity of her punishment if she is found guilty.
Initial Appearance in Brooklyn
Sharon Robinson made her initial appearance in Brooklyn, New York, on May 24, 2023. This appearance marked the beginning of the legal proceedings against her. During the initial appearance, Robinson was likely notified of the charges against her, advised of her rights, and given an opportunity to enter a plea. It was also during this appearance that her case may have been assigned to a judge and further procedural steps outlined. The initial appearance is a critical stage in a criminal case and sets the tone for the subsequent proceedings.
Investigating Agencies
The investigation into the threatening calls made by Sharon Robinson to LGBTQ businesses involved multiple law enforcement agencies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Denver Police Department, and the Glendale Police Department all played significant roles in uncovering the evidence and building a case against Robinson. These agencies worked collaboratively to gather information, interview witnesses, and ensure a comprehensive investigation. Their efforts demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement in addressing hate crimes and seeking justice for the victims.
Prosecution
The prosecution of Sharon Robinson is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Fields. As the prosecutor, Fields is responsible for presenting the government’s case against Robinson and advocating for her conviction. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing legal arguments. The prosecutor will utilize relevant laws, statutes, and legal precedents to build a strong case and seek an appropriate punishment for the accused. The prosecution’s role is essential in ensuring a fair and just process and serves to protect the interests of the victims and society as a whole.
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to remember that Sharon Robinson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This legal principle ensures that individuals accused of a crime are not unjustly punished before their guilt is established through a fair and impartial process. The presumption of innocence is a fundamental right protected by the legal system and is essential in upholding the principles of justice. As the case against Robinson proceeds, it will be incumbent upon the prosecution to prove her guilt, providing evidence that meets the highest standard of proof.
Case Details and Number
The case against Sharon Robinson is identified by the case number 23-cr-274. This unique identifier allows for easy reference and tracking of the case throughout the legal process. It helps ensure that all relevant documents, filings, and records are properly associated with the case and enables efficient communication among the various parties involved. The case number will be used in court filings, hearing notices, and other legal documentation related to the prosecution of Robinson. It is a crucial piece of information that helps maintain transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.