Promoter alleges police intimidation at Aurora venues; council asks staff to follow up

At the Aug. 12 meeting, Keith Jones, who said he has lived in Aurora more than 40 years and runs events at area venues, told the council he has been subjected to police intimidation and that officers have told venue managers not to permit certain events when his name or logo appears on marketing.

Jones told the council he has been "harassed by the police department" and that officers have approached venue owners and warned them about events he promoted, which he said amounted to discrimination because he is a Black promoter. He said he has not been charged with wrongdoing and that some venues declined bookings after being approached by police. Jones said he had discussed the issue with a sergeant and that the matter is under investigation.

Deputy mayor and staff response Mayor Lash asked the deputy mayor to gather Jones' contact information so staff could follow up; the clerk confirmed staff would reach out after the meeting. The council did not take formal action beyond directing staff to contact the complainant and said any investigation or personnel matters would proceed through appropriate channels.

Why it matters: Allegations of officer intimidation and racial discrimination at venues raise civil-rights, public-safety and business-operational concerns that warrant prompt staff review and, if substantiated, policy or training responses.

What remains unresolved: Jones said an investigation is underway; council members asked staff to make contact and report back.

Ending: The council did not debate or vote on policy changes at the meeting; staff were asked to follow up with Mr. Jones after the meeting.