NO CHARGES FILED AGAINST SUSPECTED 'BONG-A-THON' ORGANIZERS

FORT COLLINS-- The Larimer County district attorney has decided not to
charge two Denver-area men who had been accused of organizing a rowdy music
and drug festival near Red Feather Lakes last month.

Michael J. Davis, 37, of Lakewood, and Christopher T. Lopez, 30, of
Littleton, appeared in Larimer County Court on Wednesday. But a judge
cleared the two of suspicion -- at least for now.

"There is insufficient evidence to warrant the filing of charges at this
time," said Daniel Quinn, chief deputy district attorney. He added that
charges could come later.

Davis and Lopez were arrested on suspicion of felony drug crimes during a
high-profile raid on the 25th annual Colorado Invitational, or
"Bong-A-Thon," which drew some 2,000 partyers to a remote spot in Larimer
County.

The men were among 18 people arrested on suspicion of felony drug crimes
when an estimated 150 law-enforcement officers from about 10 area agencies
busted the party.

The raid was triggered by complaints from neighbors alarmed by the large
and unruly gathering.

Authorities described a mind-boggling array of evidence seized during an
early-morning bust - all manner of illegal drugs and paraphernalia.

Yet the district attorney's office determined during review that the
evidence did not support charges against the two alleged organizers, Quinn
said. At least six of those arrested for felonies were released without
being formally charged.

Some of those attending the Bong-A-Thon, a reference to a water pipe used
to smoke marijuana, said they think the raid's main purpose was to send a
message to partyers that they are not wanted in Larimer County.