Metro Denver Man Agrees To Community Service And $500 Charitable Donation After Failing To Appear For Federal Jury Duty

DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Emil Francis Ozaraga has agreed to perform 50 hours of community service and pay $500 to charity as a consequence of failing to show up after being selected as a juror in U.S. District Court in Denver.  This was part of a Diversion Agreement entered between the U.S. Attorney and Ozaraga.  If Ozaraga fails to perform as per the agreement he could face a criminal charge and potential incarceration.

According to court records, Emil Francis Ozaraga was summoned to jury duty on October 21, 2019, in U.S. District Court in Denver.  On that date, he was selected to sit on the jury in a civil case.  Ozaraga was sworn in as a juror, heard opening statements of the parties, and heard testimony from the plaintiff’s first witness.  At the end of the day on October 21, 2019, the jury was released, but before they left all jurors were told that they were required by the Court to return the following day, Tuesday, October 22, 2019, in time for court proceedings to resume at 9:00 a.m.

On that following morning, Ozaraga neither appeared for the court proceedings nor called to advise as to why he did not appear. All other jurors were present and prepared to proceed with trial.  A later review of the jury questionnaire found that Ozaraga expressed disdain for the jury system. As a result, the court initiated criminal contempt proceedings against Ozaraga.

“Jury service is a civic right and an important obligation,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.  “Our system of justice requires the participation of every citizen, and we will seek to hold accountable those that deliberately shirk their duty.”