AURORA | The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment issued a wage-theft citation against former Aurora Councilmember Crystal Murillo, executive director of the Colorado People’s Alliance, after she failed to respond for months to claims made by a former employee.
Because of Murillo’s repeated non-response, the state assigned the highest penalties possible and found her personally liable, according to state employment records. The estimated wages and fines for inaction were cited as ranging from $20,000 to $28,000. The total amount of wages and benefits alleged to be owed to the claimant is $5,147.10, according to state records.
Murillo denied any wrongdoing by her or the Alliance.
“The investigator’s initial decision was based on a technicality, and (we have) not yet been able to present our evidence,” Murillo said in an email. “I can say unequivocally that we did not violate any wage rules. We are asking for an opportunity to present our case now. If that happens, we are confident that the initial decision will be overturned.”
The Colorado People’s Alliance defines itself as a member-led, multi-racial social justice organization focused on promoting progressive change in Colorado. One area of focus is human immigration reform.
Kayla Frawley, the former Colorado People’s Alliance director of organizing, who filed the claim, said the dispute is linked to issues surrounding flex-time, paid time off and other wage allegations during her tenure, according to state labor department documents. In the complaint, she accused Murillo, her supervisor, in being negligent in responding to salary and benefit questions.
The CDLE citation names only Murillo.
Murillo was given 35 days after Nov. 19 to appeal. If she fails to pay or appeal successfully, the state or the worker may pursue collections through the courts, including against Murillo’s personal assets, according to state employment officials.