Colorado Prosecutor Faces Recall for Dropping Charges Against Transgender Sex Offender

A prosecutor in Colorado is at risk of being recalled after attempting to dismiss charges against Solomon Galligan, a transgender sex offender accused of trying to kidnap an 11-year-old boy from a schoolyard. The Colorado 18th Judicial District’s district attorney’s office announced plans to drop the case after Galligan was deemed “mentally incompetent” following a competency evaluation.

Galligan, 33, was arrested in April 2024 outside Black Forest Hills Elementary School in Aurora, where he was caught on surveillance attempting to snatch a student during recess. The incident caused children to run and shout “Stranger danger!” but Galligan tripped on a white blanket he was carrying, losing his grip on the child. He was later found at a nearby store, visibly intoxicated with white powder on his face.

Galligan has a history of mental health issues, diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at age 16. His sister, Sarah Galligan, told news outlets that her brother has been in and out of jail for over a decade and warned that he is not safe to be released into the community. She also noted he was deemed unfit for trial in previous cases due to his mental state, which was exacerbated by a lack of mental health bed availability.

Mugshot of Solomon Galligan — Suspected kidnapper Solomon Galligan in his mugshot after arrest.

The district attorney has stated that charges are to be dropped by law because Galligan is considered mentally incompetent to stand trial, and the charges will be dismissed once formal proceedings are completed. Meanwhile, Aurora City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky criticized the district attorney’s actions, declaring that efforts to recall DA Amy Padden are already underway and will succeed, citing her “deplorable” conduct over recent months.

Portrait of DA Amy Padden — DA Amy Padden, whose decision to dismiss charges has sparked controversy.

Galligan, who publicly announced his gender transition in 2011, was previously placed on the sex offender registry after a conviction for non-consensual sexual contact. His latest incident has reignited community safety concerns amid ongoing debates about mental health resources and criminal justice policies in the state.