Judge in Controversial Colorado ID Theft Case Announces Retirement?

Yesterday, we covered the story about the state judge in Colorado halting a highly controversial identity theft investigation that has implicated more than 1,000 suspected illegal immigrants. The reason for this action was that the judge found the investigation unlawful, violated privacy and lacked the probable cause.

In a new and interesting twist, the judge in the case, Judge James Hiatt, chief judge of the 8th Judicial District in Larimer County, announced his retirement today — the day after his controversial ruling.

Perhaps it was just a matter of timing and he planned to announce his retirement on April 15, 2009 for some time? Or, there some bigger behind-the-scenes political things happening in Colorado that influenced this decision? The timing certainly seems specious. We welcome all thoughts and comments!