Fort Lupton Mayor Resigns After 7NEWS Investigation

DENVER -- The mayor of Fort Lupton has resigned citing health issues and media attention.

Jim Bostick was under the microscope for taking money from a dead U.S. Marine.

Bostick was not only the mayor, but operates a funeral home in Fort Lupton. The personal savings account of Marine Jason Sepulveda was sent to Bostick for Sepulveda's funeral after he was killed in an accident.

The U.S. government paid for the Marine's funeral, yet Bostick refused to return the dead Marine's personal savings to his family.

Bostick even ignored a court judgment that totaled more than $7,500. 7NEWS' stories caused a national uproar against Bostick. Hundreds of e-mails were sent to the city of Fort Lupton calling for his resignation.

In his letter to the Fort Lupton City Council he said, "It is with great sadness that I am writing this letter but with all that has gone on with the recent events and my health, I feel it is the best interest of the city and myself to resign my post as mayor for the City of Fort Lupton. I believe in this town and I am very proud of the way the town is moving ... It has been a great pleasure to have served and worked with each and every one of you."

Bostick told 7NEWS Investigator John Ferrugia that threats against his life, and pressure from constituents, caused him so much stress he had to be taken to the hospital in the past few days with high blood pressure.

He said his doctor told him to continue as mayor could kill him.

However, Bostick said he doesn't have the money to pay back the Sepulvedas and has not paid them yet.

Have a question or comment on this story? Have a news tip or story idea? Call our investigators at (303) 832-TIPS or e-mail us at 7NEWS.