By Manny Gonzales
Rocky Mountain News Staff Writer

As of late Friday, Boulder District Attorney Alex Hunter had no idea about the serious charges leveled against his handling of the JonBenet Ramsey case.

No one had been able to reach Hunter, who was vacationing with his family on a ship off Alaska, said his spokeswoman, Suzanne Laurion.

"When the letter arrived in our office last night, we began trying to reach (Hunter), but haven't been able to," she said.

"We know he would want to know."

Four representatives of Hunter's office met with Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner and three police commanders Friday to discuss the resignation letter from Detective Steve Thomas.

The group decided not to respond in detail to the allegations, Laurion said.

Hunter left town for his vacation Monday and is expected back in Colorado on Wednesday. He is on a small ship carrying about 60 people near Alaska -- a trip he scheduled long ago, Laurion said.

Members of the Boulder DA's office will continue to try to reach Hunter, she said.

August 8, 1998