Category: Cases

GOLDEN, Colo. (Oct. 24, 2024) – The First Judicial District will host another Fresh Start warrant forgiveness event at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility in Golden on Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

People with active warrants for non-violent, low-level offenses in Gilpin or Jefferson counties will once again have an opportunity to either resolve their case or set a new court date. On November 2, for the first time, attorneys will be available virtually in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, and Pueblo Counties for anyone who also has a low-level warrant in these participating jurisdictions. This has been a barrier in the past when someone cannot resolve their warrant due to a similar low-level warrant in another jurisdiction. With other jurisdictions holding an event at the same date and time, individuals can connect virtually and get back on track to resolve their cases.

This event offers relief to individuals looking for a fresh start who are tired of living in fear of arrest and ready to move toward a resolution in their case. Additionally, by reducing the number of low-level warrants, we ensure that law enforcement, the judiciary, and taxpayer resources can focus on addressing cases that pose a community safety risk.  

The First Judicial District has successfully hosted six events since 2021, resolving nearly 450 warrants to date. All attorneys and court staff generously volunteer their time on the weekend to support this initiative. These efforts have not only brought relief to hundreds of people but also saved thousands of taxpayer dollars.  

This event is possible thanks to the collaborative effort between the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the Colorado State Public Defender’s Office, the First Judicial District Courts, First Judicial District Probation Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Justice Services, and C3.  

“It’s truly inspiring to see the level of cooperation among multiple agencies working together for public safety,” said District Attorney Alexis King. “Given the tremendous success we’ve achieved in Jeffco, we are optimistic about the potential impact of this additional layer of collaboration from neighboring jurisdictions and believe it will further reduce the barriers that prevent individuals from getting back on track.” 

While most eligible warrants are for non-violent misdemeanors or traffic cases, eligibility may extend to individuals with non-violent, low-level felonies that have been reclassified as misdemeanors and some low-level felony drug and property offenses.  

As always, the event excludes people charged or convicted of an offense under the Victim Rights Act – such as assault, child abuse, unlawful sexual contact, or domestic violence. In addition, people with weapons offenses and those with second or subsequent cases involving driving under the influence or driving while ability impaired are not eligible for the event.   

Public defenders will again be available to review eligibility and provide legal consultation to qualifying defendants at no cost. To check eligibility for probation violation cases, individuals should email [email protected], and for all other cases, email [email protected]. The event does not require an appointment to be made in advance. 

Alongside addressing warrants, participants will have access to support services, including legal aid, housing, counseling, and job placement programs from the following community partners: Community Connections Center (C3), Benefits in Action, Hazelbrook Sober Living, Bayaud Enterprises, Ke’nekt, Master’s Apprentice, Jefferson Center, Empower Recovery Homes, Advocates for Recovery, Courthouse Resource Center, United Way, and Behavioral Treatment Services. This holistic approach aims to empower individuals to build a better future.  

 Please visit www.jeffco.us/4346 for more information.  

GOLDEN, Colo. (Oct. 18, 2024) – Glenn Braden was sentenced to eight years to life in prison yesterday for his string of sexual crimes in Jeffco parks last year. Between Apr. 3, 2023, and Aug. 8, 2023, 11 female hikers were confronted by Braden along trails in Flying J Ranch Park, Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, and Genesee Mountain Park in Jefferson County. In August, Braden pled guilty to attempted sexual assault, unlawful sexual contact and indecent exposure, and as a result, faced a term of between four to twelve years, up to life in prison.

“People come to Colorado for the mountains,” said Deputy District Attorney Allie Galvan. “Thousands of women across our state like to hike alone to enjoy the beauty of nature and soak up the mental health benefits of hiking”, further stating that Braden destroyed a basic freedom to enjoy the outdoors for so many women.

Galvan discussed the aggravating nature of the sexual contacts, and the large number of victims, but also emphasized the pattern of escalation. Before moving to Colorado, Braden had two prior incidents with similar behavior in South Carolina, in 2019 and 2020, which Galvan argued showed the pattern of escalation was over a period of years, not months, and “he grew more brazen with each contact, and attempted to rip the clothing off one of his final victims.”

Through pre-sentence evaluations, Braden was found to have a high risk to reoffend sexually, which Galvan argued made him an extreme public safety risk. “This is someone who has been given a chance at diversion and treatment for similar behavior, and who has admitted he has a compulsion he cannot control.”

Braden also addressed the Court and the victims stating, “I take complete responsibility for every single action that occurred during this time.” Braden also apologized to the victims and expressed an eagerness to start treatment and “commit to the time it takes to change my thoughts, behaviors and actions.”

The Court thanked the victims for their powerful impact statements, stating “you are seen, and you are heard.”

Count 11: CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT SEXUAL ASSAULT-Section 18-3-402(1)(a); 18-2-101, C.R.S. (F5) (range 1-3 years)
                              Sentence: Three years DOC, concurrent to count 16

Count 16: UNLAWFUL SEXUAL CONTACT- Section 18-3-404(1)(a),(2);18-3-402(4), C.R.S. (F4) (range 4-12-life/indeterminate sentence)
                              Sentence: Eight years to life with an indeterminate term of parole

Count 17: INDECENT EXPOSURE – Section 18-7-302(1)(b), C.R.S. (M1) (range up to 364 days in jail)
                              Sentence: 364 days, with 436 days pre-sentence confinement credit

Braden was also ordered to pay $1,526 in restitution and comply with lifetime sex offender registration.

GOLDEN, Colo. (Oct. 10, 2024) – Andre Deshawn Jones was sentenced today to 32 years in prison for the attempted murder of Wheat Ridge Police Officer Allan Fischer in April 2022 and three years in prison for the assault on a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy while in custody in 2023. Officer Fischer was responding to a report of a U-Haul truck that had crashed into a fence when he was attacked by Jones and stabbed in the neck, chest and back.

In August, a Jefferson County jury found Jones guilty of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree- Threaten a Peace Officer with a Deadly Weapon, Assault in the First Degree- Intentionally Cause Serious Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft in the First Degree, and Resisting Arrest. As a result, Jones faced a minimum sentence of 10 years, up to several decades in prison.

Count 1: Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder in the Second Degree (range 10-32 years)

Count 2: Assault in the First Degree (range 10-32 years)

Count 3: Assault in the First Degree (range 10-32 years)

Count 4: Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft in the First Degree (range 2-6-12 years)

Count 11: Resisting Arrest (range max of 1 year)

At sentencing, Jones also pleaded guilty to Attempted Second Degree Assault on a Peace Officer for assaulting and injuring a Jefferson County jail deputy while in custody in September 2023. Prosecutors asked the court to impose a consecutive sentence for this offense.

The courtroom was filled beyond capacity, and two separate courtrooms were needed to accommodate the family, friends, and fellow officers who gathered to witness the culmination of a judicial process that spanned over two years. Wheat Ridge Police Chief Murtha, alongside Officer Fischer’s daughters, his wife, and Officer Fischer himself, addressed the court. They spoke poignantly about the enduring impact of Jones’ actions, highlighting the tragic reality that Officer Fischer can no longer serve as a police officer due to the daily pain and limitations he endures.

Chief Murtha expressed the profound impact on the entire police department and all those dedicated to serving the community. “Our department has been forced to reflect on the realities of the violence we confront” he stated, “yet we remain resolute in our mission.” He asked the court to “deliver a strong message that violence against those who protect and serve is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

In a powerful statement, Chief Deputy District Attorney Sheryl Berry advocated for the harshest penalty allowable by law, emphasizing the gravity of the crime committed. “Officer Fischer had an angel on his shoulder that day,” she remarked, attributing his survival to the swift and skilled actions of fellow officers and medical personnel.

Berry also addressed Jones’ assault on the Jefferson County Sheriff Deputy who, unlike Officer Fischer, was just embarking on his career, and the great impact his actions had on that deputy and his family. Finally, Berry noted Jones’ lack of accountability, stating, “There has been no acceptance of responsibility in this case… accountability was delivered by a verdict of the defendant’s peers.”

Jones also addressed the court, stating “my actions have led me to this day,” and asked for forgiveness.

District Judge Poland imposed the following sentence:

Count 1: 32 years in prison
Count 2: 32 years (concurrent)
Count 3: 32 years (concurrent)
Count 4: 6 years (concurrent) Count 11: 1 year (concurrent)

As to the assault on the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy in September 2023, the Court sentenced Jones to three years, consecutive to the 32-year sentence for Officer Fischer.

GOLDEN, Colo. (Sep.17, 2024) – District Attorney Alexis King announced today that Brent John Metz has been charged with Second Degree Assault, Menacing, and Illegal Discharge of a Firearm for menacing a fifteen-year-old and seriously injuring a seventeen-year-old last week.

On Sep. 10, 2024, Jefferson County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to a home on Pleasant Park Road in Conifer after a homeowner called to report two trespassers on her property. When Deputies arrived, they observed a seventeen-year-old who was bleeding heavily from the face and an apparent bullet hole in the windshield of the vehicle the teens were driving.

The victims later reported to police they went to the property to ask the homeowner if they could take homecoming pictures near the lake on the property. When no one answered the door, they returned to their car, which was parked off the property, and began writing a note to ask the homeowner for their permission. A note was later located by investigators.

As they were writing the note, Metz drove up on the passenger side of the victim’s vehicle, parking it at an angle that blocked the vehicle. Metz got out with a gun and a shot went off, through the windshield of the vehicle, striking the seventeen-year-old driver in the face. The victims reported to police that after the shot, Metz exclaimed, “oh shit, my gun went off” and that Metz then attempted to render aid.

Based on the information available at this time, there is no evidence to support that Metz acted with extreme indifference.

Official charges:

COUNT 1: ASSAULT IN THE SECOND DEGREE, C.R.S. 18-3-203(1)(d)(F4)(Crime of Violence)

COUNT 2: MENACING, C.R.S. 18-3-206 (F5) (Seventeen-year-old)

COUNT 3: MENACING, C.R.S. 18-3-206 (F5) (Fifteen-year-old)

COUNT 4: ILLEGAL DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM, C.R.S. 18-12-107.5 (F5)

Next hearing: Prelim 10-10-2024 @ 1:00PM

The charges are merely legal allegations, and Mr. Metz is presumed innocent of the charges against him unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

.

GOLDEN, Colo. (Aug. 13, 2024) – Andre Deshawn Jones was found guilty by a Jefferson County jury today of the attempted murder of Wheat Ridge Police Officer Allan Fischer in April 2022. Ofc. Fischer was responding to a report of a U-Haul truck that had crashed into a fence when he was attacked by Jones and stabbed in the neck, chest and back.

After a six-day trial, the jury deliberated for just under four hours before reaching their verdicts. Jones was convicted of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree- Threaten a Peace Officer with a Deadly Weapon, Assault in the First Degree- Intentionally Cause Serious Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft in the First Degree, and Resisting Arrest

Jones will be sentenced on October 10, 2024, at 8:30 A.M.

GOLDEN, Colo. (Aug. 8, 2024) – Glenn Braden has pleaded guilty to three charges related to the string of incidents in JeffCo parks last year. Between Apr. 3, 2023, and Aug. 8, 2023, Braden confronted female hikers and committed lewd acts along trails in Flying J Ranch Park, Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, and Genesee Mountain Park in Jefferson County. Braden has remained in custody since his arrest.

Today, Braden pled guilty to the following charges:

Count 11: CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT SEXUAL ASSAULT-Section 18-3-402(1)(a);18-2-101, C.R.S. (F5) – Naming one victim from 7/24/23

 Added Count 16: UNLAWFUL SEXUAL CONTACT- Section 18-3-404(1)(a),(2);18-3-402(4), C.R.S. (F4) – Naming three victims from 4/13/2023 to 7/18/2023

Added Count 17: INDECENT EXPOSURE – Section 18-7-302(1)(b), C.R.S. (M1) – Naming 11 victims

Counts one through ten and twelve through fifteen were dismissed. Braden faces a term of between 4 and 12 years, up to life in prison. He will be sentenced on 9/30/24 at 11:00 a.m.

 A copy of the arrest affidavit can be requested from the court at [email protected]

GOLDEN, Colo. (July 25, 2024) – The Grand Jury for Jefferson and Gilpin counties has indicted Robert Joel Gordanier and his daughter, Brenda Renee Hamilton, for crimes committed between July 2019 and November 2023. Gordanier was Mayor, Chief of Police, and Fire Department Chief, of the Town of Lakeside, and Hamilton was Town Clerk. The ten count indictment includes Embezzlement of Public Property, Theft, First Degree Official Misconduct, and Impersonating a Peace Officer.

The First Judicial District Grand Jury opened its investigation on November 17, 2023, shortly after CBS Colorado reported on allegations of misconduct. Gordanier has remained in his role as Chief of Police throughout the investigation, but resigned as Mayor in April of 2024. Hamilton was placed on administrative leave in November of 2023.

The facts supporting the indictment are:

In March of 2018, the Town of Lakeside purchased a black Dodge Charger from a law enforcement auction to be used as Town Property by the Lakeside Police Department. In July 2021, Hamilton, with the approval of Gordanier, purchased the Charger from the Town of Lakeside for $500 when the fair market value was $8588. The Charger was later sold to a third party.

In September 2021, the Town of Lakeside purchased a Ford Fusion from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office at a discounted price to be used as Town property by the Lakeside Police Department. The price was below fair market value and was specially offered by Arapahoe County to assist the smaller Lakeside Police Department. Three months later, Hamilton, with the approval of Gordanier, purchased the Ford Fusion from the Town of Lakeside for $1000 when the fair market value was $9688. The Fusion was later sold to a third-party for $12,000.

In April of 2017, the Town of Lakeside purchased a Chevrolet Tahoe from the Glenwood Springs Police Department for $8500. In September of 2022, with the approval of Gordanier, Hamilton purchased the Tahoe for $300 or it was given to her. Hamilton then sold the Tahoe to a third-party for between $6000 and $7000.

The investigation revealed that between January 2022 and November 2023, Hamilton used a Visa credit card associated with the Town of Lakeside to purchase items at Costco retail locations that were kept by Hamilton and not provided to the Town of Lakeside. Hamilton also charged a $120 membership fee for her personal Costco membership to the Town of Lakeside’s Visa account. The amount of Town of Lakeside funds spent on unauthorized purchases at Costco was $494.61.

The investigation further revealed that on July 25, 2023, Hamilton was operating a commissioned police vehicle in the Town of Lakeside. At approximately 7:03 p.m. the Town of Mountain View aired a suspicious person contact with an individual later identified as Dominick Bonavich. Following this airing, Hamilton observed Bonavich in the parking lot of the Walmart located at 5957 W. 44th Ave. Hamilton activated the red and blue flashing lights on the police vehicle she was driving and followed Bonavich in the police vehicle through a portion of the parking lot, in an attempt to stop, arrest, or detain Bonavich. Bonavich reacted to the activation of the red and blue lights on the police vehicle driven by Hamilton by fleeing away from the vehicle and attempting to forcibly take a motor vehicle from the possession of a citizen in the Walmart parking lot. A Walmart employee witnessed the attempted robbery by Bonavich and sought assistance from the police vehicle operated by Hamilton. Despite Hamilton having access to a police radio, Hamilton did not radio for assistance. The employee approached Bonavich and forcibly removed him from the vehicle, as no Lakeside police personnel were nearby.

Gordanier faces the following seven counts: Three counts of Embezzlement of Public Property (F5), one count of Theft (F4), and three counts of First Degree Official Misconduct (M1).

Hamilton faces the following ten counts: Four counts of Embezzlement of Public Property (F5), one count of Theft (F4), one count of Impersonating a Peace Officer (F5), and four counts of First Degree Official Misconduct (M1).

On July 25, 2024, Gordanier turned himself into the Jefferson County Jail and was released on a $25,000 Personal Recognizance bond. He will be advised on August 6, 2024. It is not known at this time if the appearance will be streamed via WebEx. The case number is 24CR1836

On July 23, 2024, Hamilton turned herself into the Jefferson County Jail and was released on a $25,000 Personal Recognizance bond. She will be advised on August 2, 2024. It is not known at this time if the appearance will be streamed via WebEx. The case number is 24CR1835

A copy of the grand jury indictment can be requested from the court at [email protected].

The charges are merely legal allegations; Robert Gordanier and Brenda Hamilton are presumed innocent of the charges against them unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

GOLDEN, Colo. (Jun. 26, 2024) – Roman Bear Rivera was sentenced on Monday to 12 years in the Department of Corrections for Trafficking for Sexual Servitude. Rivera also received 12 years in a separate case, to be served concurrently, for Retaliation against the victim in this case. Rivera was arrested and charged as a result of a nationwide sex trafficking enforcement campaign known as Operation Cross Country.

In July of 2023, more than 40 state and local agencies partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in support of Operation Cross Country, which sought to locate victims of sex trafficking as well as investigate and arrest individuals perpetrating related crimes. Investigators from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), the Lakewood Police Department (LPD), and other partnering agencies initiated their investigation into Rivera based on an ad for sex in exchange for money. Investigators eventually connected with the victim, an adult female, with the goal of providing her with resources.

Approximately eight hours after meeting with the victim, an Investigator was contacted by Rivera. Rivera was unaware the Investigator was working undercover. Rivera texted: “Look tell my b**** that’s with you to fu**** call or everyone is goona get it I know whatchu look like.” Rivera followed up with several other text messages demonstrating manipulation and control of the victim. Rivera later informed the Investigator that the victim had not come home, and that the victim had sent him a picture of the Investigator for insurance purposes. Rivera then threatened extortion and said the victim was late on her payments. He demanded the Investigator pay for the hours the victim couldn’t work.

The Investigator later spoke with Rivera over the phone, where Rivera portrayed an organized operation, alluding to controlling other sex trafficking victims. Rivera further stated the victim was still “supposed to be on the clock.” Rivera and the Investigator further conversed via voice and text around him collecting payment.

In October 2023, Rivera was arrested and charged with one count of Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude and one count of Pimping and was held on a $50,000 cash only bond. In February, Rivera’s bond was lowered, and he bonded out. Just two days later, Rivera located the victim at a motel and assaulted her, punching her in the face multiple times. Rivera was later arrested and charged with Retaliation Against a Witness, Assault in the Third Degree, and Violation of a Protection Order. He was held on $75,000 cash only bond and has remained in custody. Rivera made numerous attempts to contact the victim while in custody at the jail and picked up additional Protection Order Violations.

In May, as part of a global disposition, Rivera pleaded guilty to the top count of Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude (F3) and one count of Retaliation Against a Witness or Victim (F4). As a result of his plea, he faced 8-12 years in prison. Prosecutors dismissed the remaining charges.

At sentencing, Detective Lucero of the Lakewood Police Department told the Court, “Mr. Rivera recruited, manipulated, and intimidated people into sexual servitude for his selfish gains, and his destructive reach was quite far within our community.” Lucero also told the Court the investigation revealed some of Rivera’s recruitment tactics and evidence that he attempted to recruit and manipulate additional potential victims. “As a seasoned agent, I’ve been involved in many cases, and the inhumane, callus nature of this case and Mr. Rivera’s predatory conduct will stay with me for a long time.”

A Sheriff’s Investigator also told the Court, “[The victim] was repeatedly coerced into believing she was worthless and powerless, leaving her with shattered self-esteem and a sense of identity that will be difficult to rebuild. This emotional manipulation can lead to severe depression, anxiety, and a profound sense of hopelessness.”

Deputy District Attorney Sarah Beth Toben argued for the maximum sentence, highlighting various aggravating factors in this case. Particularly significant was when Rivera bonded out, found the victim, and assaulted her. Toben emphasized that violence was a constant threat to the victim, as Rivera not only assaulted the victim but also tried to intimidate her multiple times to manipulate the investigation in his favor.

“We could not have reached this disposition without the dedicated Investigators who went above and beyond to ensure Rivera was held accountable; including delivering impactful statements to the Court that illustrated the extent of manipulation and emotional abuse experienced by victims at the hands of their traffickers,” said DDA Toben. “And I’m grateful to the Investigators and our victim advocate who worked tirelessly to keep close contact with the victim and ensure she had the resources and support she needed throughout the case.”

GOLDEN, Colo. (Jun. 11, 2024) – Juan Alexis Ortega Torres was sentenced to 12 years in prison by the First Judicial District Court today for causing a multi-vehicle crash that killed 44-year-old Kresten Wolff Thomsen and seriously injured two children and the driver of another vehicle. On May 15, 2024, Ortega Torres pleaded guilty to three counts: one count of Vehicular Homicide (DUI) and two counts of Vehicular Assault (DUI). Ortega Torres has been in custody since his arrest and faced up to 24 years as a result of his plea.

On Feb. 5, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., Ortega Torres was driving his GMC Sierra at approximately 60mph in a 35mph zone when he ran a red light at West 64th Avenue and Lamar Street in Arvada. Kresten and his two children were on their way home from school and only a few miles from home when they were struck by Ortega Torres’ vehicle. Two additional cars were hit in the crash, and Thomsen’s two children suffered serious bodily injury.

Today, in the courtroom, the sentiments of Kresten Wolff’s loved ones echoed as a resolution was reached in the heartbreaking event that had a profound impact on the Arvada community. Kresten was a devoted husband and father and a talented composer, writer, and musician. Friends and family described Kreston as having a “bigger-than-life personality” and was a “model of how to live.”

“The overwhelming love and admiration for Kresten are palpable,” said Deputy District Attorney Benjamin Hepler. “While no sentence can bring back Kresten or undo the significant trauma experienced by all the people impacted in this tragedy, we hope this consecutive sentence and quick resolution brings some sense of closure to all the victims and Kresten’s loved ones.” Hepler also credited the Arvada Police Department for their thorough and quality investigation, which undoubtedly contributed to the successful outcome.

Ortega Torres also addressed the court briefly. “If I could trade places with Kresten, I would,” he told the court. “I still can’t believe the harm I’ve done to this family.” “I hope people believe me that I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”

Kresten’s wife told the court, “All of the words in all of the languages on earth will never be able to describe what a wonderful man this was.” “Kresten and the loss of him consumes my every thought. I live in a sorrow that is indescribable, unpredictable, and inconsolable. I long for him every minute of every day.”