Chance encounter prompts torture suspect's arrest
DENVER (AP) -- A Department of Homeland Security official says a chance encounter at a suburban Denver restaurant led to the arrest of an Ethiopian immigrant who authorities say tortured political prisoners decades ago in his home country.
The man authorities identify as Kefelegn Alemu Worku pleaded not guilty Tuesday to U.S. immigration charges and denied that he is a former guard at a prison know for atrocities and human rights abuses.
He was ordered held without bail.
The man's lawyer called his client "Mr. Doe" during the hearing.
Homeland Security Agent Jeffrey Lembke said the man was spotted by happenstance and identified as Worku by a former Ethiopian political prisoner during a 2011 confrontation.
Lembke did not elaborate on the encounter at the Cozy Cafe in Aurora, Colo., a hangout for Ethiopian immigrants.
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