Category: Cases

GOLDEN, Colo. (Jul. 13, 2023) – today, a Jefferson County jury returned guilty verdicts in the trial of Ricardo Perez for the murder of eighty-one-year-old Gail Wilson of Lakewood in 2021. Co-defendants Jay Griffith and Savannah Wilson pled guilty last year.

On Nov. 1, 2021, Gail was reported missing by family members. At that time, Gail resided with his adopted daughter Wilson, her boyfriend, Perez, and another roommate, Griffith. The investigation by agents from the Lakewood Police Department revealed that Gail was killed on Oct. 31, 2021, and his body was disposed of in dumpsters across the metro area. Gail’s body was never found.

Just before noon today, Perez was convicted of the following:

Count 1: MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE

Count 2: TAMPERING WITH A DECEASED HUMAN BODY

Count 3: ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE A PUBLIC SERVANT

Count 4: TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

Perez faces life in prison and will be sentenced tomorrow, Jul. 14, 2023, at 9 am.

On May 27, 2022, Griffith pled guilty to Accessory to a Crime (F4) and Concealing Death (M1) and is set for sentencing on Jul. 20, 2023, at 1:15 pm.

On Nov. 3, 2022, Wilson pled guilty to Accessory to a Crime (F5) and Concealing Death (M1) and is set for sentencing on Jul. 20, 2023, at 3 pm.

GOLDEN, Colo. (Jun. 30, 2023) – Juan Ocegueda was sentenced to 24 years in prison today for the stabbing of a security guard at a dental appointment last summer, in addition to other crimes. As a result of Ocegueda’s global plea last month, he faced a sentencing range of 16-24 years in the Department of Corrections. Ocegueda is now 18 years old and has four separate and distinct felony convictions.

In Jefferson County, on May 1, 2023, Ocegueda pled guilty to Assault in the First Degree (F3) and Crime of Violence (SE). The parties stipulated to a sentence of 16-24 years to run concurrent to the following cases: Weld County 22CR374, Larimer County 22CR1165, and 22CR1170. Jefferson County cases 22CR2411 and 22JD349, which were assault cases that Ocegueda committed while in the Rocky Mountain Youth Services Center, were dismissed as part of the plea.

On May 31, 2022, Ocegueda was taken to a routine orthodontist appointment at Primary Care Dental in Lakeside. He was 17 years old and in the custody of Platte Valley Youth Services in Greeley. Accompanying him was a 53-year-old Division of Youth Services security specialist known to Ocegueda, as he had accompanied him to these appointments before. 

During the appointment, Ocegueda asked to use the restroom, so the victim uncuffed his right hand. Ocegueda was in the restroom for approximately ten minutes. When Ocegueda came out, he had a knife, or knife-like object, and stabbed the victim multiple times in his arm, abdomen, shoulder, and neck. Ocegueda then chased a dental employee down a hallway, pointing the knife at her before escaping. 

After an hours-long manhunt, Ocegueda was found hiding in a nearby garage and was arrested. The knife was never recovered.

In today’s argument to the court, Deputy District Attorney Margaret Crabb read letters from the victims and their families, detailing the significant impact this crime had on their lives. One family member stated, “Our future is different” because of Ocegueda’s actions, and that after 25 years in youth corrections, this crime has forced early retirement.

Despite his young age, Ocegueda has an extensive history of aggravated and violent crimes. On Dec. 10, 2021, Ocegueda escaped from custody while serving an 18-month juvenile sentence. Between Dec. 10 and Jan. 8, Ocegueda picked up four new felony cases in Weld and Larimer Counties, including Second Degree Assault, Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft, Aggravated Robbery, and Attempted Murder. He was finally arrested on Jan. 27, 2022. The case he was sentenced on today occurred in May of 2022.

Prosecutors asked for the maximum sentence of 24 years… “The people do not take a 24-year Department of Corrections sentence on an 18-year-old lightly,” said Crabb. “However, in light of the violent and aggravated nature of this crime and his extensive criminal history, this sentence is appropriate and necessary to ensure the safety of the community.”

This case is the first to go to sentencing as part of the global plea deal. Ocegueda will be sentenced in Weld County on Jul. 13, 2023, and in Larimer County on Jul. 31, 2023.

GOLDEN, Colo. (Jun. 29, 2023) – District Attorney Alexis King announced today that earlier this week, she submitted a formal request to Attorney General Phil Weiser to open a pattern and practice investigation into the Edgewater Police Department (EPD). The request is in accordance with the law enforcement accountability bill passed in 2020, which authorizes the attorney general to investigate a governmental agency for engaging in a pattern or practice of misconduct that violates state or federal constitutions or laws.

On September 14, 2021, DA King launched an investigation after an EPD officer reported several misconduct allegations within the department. In addition, Black Hawk Police Chief Michelle Moriarty also called upon our office for a formal investigation into the actions of the past administration. As a result, in December 2022, a former EPD officer was indicted for Unlawful Sexual Contact and Retaliation Against a Witness, and a second case was recently filed against the same officer for Attempt to Influence a Public Servant and Forgery. It’s important to note that those charges are merely legal allegations; the former officer has pled not guilty and is presumed innocent.

During the investigation into the former officer’s conduct, investigators were made aware of several incidents between 2016-2021 where certain members of EPD may have violated the constitutional rights and privileges of individuals in Colorado. Our investigation also revealed that prior to the appointment of the new chief in May 2022, internal culture was fraught with bullying, retaliation, and bending of the rules. The events that have taken place, as well as those surrounding the pending cases, go against policies that are in place to protect both the community and officers.

After a review of the investigation and application of relevant legal standards, the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office determined that, at this time, there will be no additional criminal charges. However, these events and allegations of misconduct must be addressed with accountability to ensure they do not recur in the future.

“The Edgewater Police Department is home to many dedicated, hardworking police officers who serve and protect their community with integrity,” said District Attorney Alexis King. “Still, I am aware of events that undermine the trust that is critical for public safety and our justice system, and as the District Attorney for the First Judicial District, I believe that a pattern or practice review is a necessary catalyst for change, both for the community and the new chief of police, who has been fully cooperative with our investigation.”

GOLDEN, Colo. (Jun. 27, 2023) – Haley Mill was sentenced to 20 years in prison by the First Judicial District Court yesterday for the crash that seriously injured two cyclists last summer.

On Jun. 19, 2022, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies were dispatched to Rainbow Hill Road and Ruby Ranch Road on a report that a driver had struck two cyclists and fled. The two cyclists were part of a cycling club and taking part in a group ride. They rode single file along the shoulder, essentially on the solid white line.

Avid cyclist Lisa Ludwig was struck and suffered a traumatic brain injury, three broken ribs, a broken shoulder blade, and two broken vertebrae. Fellow cyclist Mike Will was also hit and suffered a broken rib and a punctured lung. 

Reports initially suggested that Mill intentionally drove towards the cyclists. However, after an extensive investigation, there was no evidence to support this claim. Instead, prosecutors believe the crash was a result of Mill’s drug use.  

On May 22, 2023, Mill pled guilty to Vehicular Assault – Section 18-3-205(1)(a), C.R.S. (F5) and Assault in the First Degree – Extreme Indifference – Section 18-3-202(1)(c), C.R.S. (F3). As a result of Mill’s guilty plea, the parties stipulated to a sentencing range of 10-20 years in the Department of Corrections.

On Jun. 26, 2023, Chief Deputy District Attorney Tyra Forbes requested the maximum of 20 years in prison, noting the defendant’s extensive criminal record, her lack of regard for the community’s life and safety, and her leaving the scene and evading law enforcement for days.

“At the end of the day, Lisa and Mike’s life will never be the same, the cyclists who were with them that day will never be the same, and no matter what the sentence is, they will always have a huge hole in their heart because of the actions of the defendant,” said Forbes. “Despite her lifelong injuries, Lisa has shown remarkable strength and resilience in rising above this tragedy and continues to inspire us all.”

A number of friends and family of the victims addressed the court to discuss the effect this case has had on the Ludwig family and the cyclist community at large. Mill also addressed the court and apologized to the victims, stating that she is “haunted” by the life-long consequences of her actions every day.

GOLDEN, Colo. (Jun. 22, 2023) – District Attorney Alexis King announced new charges against former officer Nathan Geerdes for Attempt to Influence a Public Servant (F4) and Forgery (F5) related to false information he provided to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Arvada Police Department, RTD Transit Police Department, Dacono Police Department, and the Black Hawk Police Department.

Geerdes, a former Edgewater sergeant and most recently an officer for the Black Hawk Police Department (BHPD), was already facing four counts of unlawful sexual contact and one count of retaliation against a witness after a year-long Grand Jury investigation led to his indictment in December of 2022.

See the original press release concerning the indictment here: Press Release.

Based on information gathered during our investigation, as well as a direct complaint from BHPD Chief Michelle Moriarty, Geerdes was charged with the following:

Count 1: Attempt to Influence a Public Servant, C.R.S. 18-8-306 (F4) (DCSO)
Count 2: Forgery, C.R.S. 18-5-102(1)(E) (F5) (DCSO)
Count 3: Attempt to Influence a Public Servant, C.R.S. 18-8-306 (F4) (APD)
Count 4: Forgery, C.R.S. 18-5-102(1)(E) (F5) (APD)
Count 5: Attempt to Influence a Public Servant, C.R.S. 18-8-306 (F4) (RTD)
Count 6: Forgery, C.R.S. 18-5-102(1)(E) (F5) (RTD)
Count 7: Attempt to Influence a Public Servant, C.R.S. 18-8-306 (F4) (DPD)
Count 8: Forgery, C.R.S. 18-5-102(1)(E) (F5) (DPD)
Count 9: Attempt to Influence a Public Servant, C.R.S. 18-8-306 (F4) (BHPD)
Count 10: Forgery, C.R.S. 18-5-102(1)(E) (F5) (BHPD)

Concerning the five counts of Attempt to Influence a Public Servant, it is alleged that, between February 24, 2021, and August 26, 2021, Geerdes unlawfully and feloniously attempted to influence five public servants, by means of deceit, in violation of section 18-8-306, C.R.S.

It is further alleged that, pertaining to each of the five police agencies noted above, Geerdes committed forgery by falsifying official documents in violation of section 18-5-102(1)(e), C.R.S.

It should be noted that the administration at the Edgewater Police Department has changed since these incidents. New police Chief Eric Sonstegard is aware of the allegations and has been cooperative with the investigation.

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

GOLDEN, Colo. (Jun. 6, 2023) – Jason Sharrett was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Friday for the multi-vehicle collisions he caused on Sep. 28, 2022, during the rush hour commute on C-470. Multiple police agencies responded after Sharrett hit ten different vehicles in a continuous event of collisions and crimes, causing massive vehicle damage and serious bodily injuries. Friday’s conviction is Sharrett’s fifth DUI/DWAI.

On Sep. 28, 2022, multiple 911 calls were received regarding a GMC Yukon driving on the shoulder of C-470, swerving in and out of lanes, sideswiping, and intentionally ramming cars at speeds over 70mph in rush hour traffic. Sharrett’s vehicle eventually crashed into another SUV and rolled over near C-470 and W Alameda Pkwy. The driver of one vehicle suffered serious bodily injuries, while others suffered only minor injuries. Sharrett himself suffered serious injuries.

It was later determined that Sharrett’s BAC was .372, and he was also under the influence of heroin and fentanyl. At the time of the crash, Sharrett had four prior DWAI/DUI convictions and was on parole for felony DUI.

On May 2, 2023, Sharrett pled guilty to DUI 4^th (F4) and Aggravated Vehicular Assault (F5) and, as a result, faced 4-18 years in prison.

At sentencing on Friday, Chief Deputy District Attorney Chandler Grant requested the maximum sentence of 18 years in prison, citing evidence of Sharrett’s long history of missed opportunities and revocations. The First Judicial District Court ultimately agreed and sentenced Sharrett to 12 years for the DUI 4th charge and six years for the Aggravated Vehicular Assault charge, to be served consecutively. As a result, Sharrett will spend 18 years in the Department of Corrections.

“Despite being offered multiple opportunities to participate in programs aimed at maintaining sobriety, Mr. Sharrett repeatedly chose to drink and drive, putting the community at risk,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Chandler Grant. “For his actions on that day and over the last thirty years, we believe this sentence is appropriate and reflects the danger he poses to the community.”

GOLDEN, Colo. (May 30, 2023) – Marqueil Banks  and Michael Mendoza have been sentenced for the murders of eighteen-year-old Damian Wikoff and seventeen-year-old Dillon Wikoff in Lakewood in 2020. Banks was sentenced today and is the final of four juveniles to be sentenced for the murders.

The investigation by agents from the Lakewood Police Department revealed that on Aug. 23, 2020, Damien and Dillon arranged to sell a homemade ‘ghost gun’ assembled from a kit they purchased online, as well as trade for another gun. Instead, co-defendant Mendoza recruited a group of juveniles to rob the brothers. During the robbery, Damien and Dillon were shot and killed by Banks.

Mendoza pled guilty on Jan. 31, 2022, to Aggravated Robbery (F3) and Manslaughter (F4). As a result of his plea, Mendoza faced 10-25 years in the Department of Corrections. On April 27, 2023, Mendoza was sentenced to 20.5 years. On Mar. 31, 2023, Banks was convicted by a Jefferson County jury of two counts of First Degree Murder and Aggravated Robbery. Today, Banks received the following sentence:

Count 1: Murder in the First Degree – After Deliberation – Damian Wikoff
• Life with the possibility of parole after 40 years
Count 2: Murder in the First Degree – After Deliberation – Dillon Wikoff
• Life with the possibility of parole after 40 years
• Consecutive to count 1
Count 3: Murder in the First Degree – Felony Murder – Damian Wikoff
• Merges into count 1
Count 4: Murder in the First Degree – Felony Murder – Dillon Wikoff
• Merges into count 2
Count 5: Aggravated Robbery –Damian Wikoff
• 32 years DOC, concurrent to count 1
Count 6: Aggravated Robbery – Damian Wikoff
• Merges into count 5

In May 2021, a third juvenile, age 15 at the time of the crime, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery (F4) and received two years of Juvenile Intensive Supervised Probation.

In April 2022, a fourth juvenile, age 15 at the time of the crime, pled guilty to Murder in the First Degree (F1) and received four years in the Department of Youth Services.

GOLDEN, Colo. (May 15, 2023) – late Friday, a Jefferson County jury returned guilty verdicts in the trial of Wayne Richard Lotz (DOB: 8-28-1963) for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, fifty-five-year-old Michele Scott of Conifer. Lotz was found guilty of First Degree Murder After Deliberation and other charges.

On the evening of Feb. 13, 2022, a neighbor called the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) to report that her neighbor, Scott, hadn’t been seen since Feb. 10th, and she was concerned for her safety. Additionally, Scott had plans to watch the Superbowl with another neighbor and never showed up. There was no answer at the door, and Scott was not answering her cell phone. Deputies left Scott’s residence without successfully contacting her that night.

The following morning, friends of Scott forced entry into the garage, and when they did not find her or her vehicle, they again called JCSO. This time, Deputies observed what appeared to be smeared blood on a truck parked in the driveway, in the garage, as well as other places in the home. Deputies also discovered that Scott’s four dogs had not been cared for, and her cell phone was at the residence.

Later that day, Lotz was contacted while driving Scott’s Toyota Highlander and taken into custody for questioning. Lotz told police that Scott was on vacation and that he had permission to use her vehicle and credit card while he cared for her dogs and horses. Lotz was booked into the JCSO Jail on charges of Domestic Violence related Felony Menacing, Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft, and Criminal Possession of a Financial Transaction Device. Deputies would later locate blood evidence in the rear hatch area and on the inside of the hatch door of Scott’s Highlander.

Deputies continued to look for Scott, and on February 15, 2022, Deputies found a rug and moving blanket located in the area of Pleasant Park Road and South Ridge Road. Lotz’s cellular account records showed that on February 11, 2022, his cell phone was in that same area.

The area was searched by ground, as well as by air with drones, and no human body was immediately located. Later that afternoon, about .5 miles to the north of the rug and blanket, Scott’s deceased body was discovered under a pile of stacked rocks. Due to the steep terrain between the roadside and the location of her body, personnel with the Inter-Canyon Fire Department were called to the scene to conduct a technical recovery.

Scott was found with a brown leather leash looped around her neck, her wrists were bound with braided rope, her arms had been bound by horse lead, and her legs were bound with a dog leash and bungee cord. An autopsy would later reveal Scott’s cause of death was strangulation and blunt force injuries. Lotz’s DNA was found on the leash around her neck.

On Feb. 18, 2022, District Attorney Alexis King charged Lotz with eight counts, including Murder in the First Degree, Tampering with a Deceased Human Body, Menacing, Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Criminal Possession of a Financial Device, and two Crime of Violence counts.

On Friday evening, after a five-day jury trial, the jury deliberated for just over 3 hours before returning verdicts. The jury found Lotz guilty of all charges except Menacing. It was decided that Lotz would go to immediate sentencing, which took place at 9:00 am this morning.

Dozens of family members and friends filled the courtroom to address the Court and express the immeasurable loss caused by domestic violence. Scott was remembered as a dedicated mother, sister, and friend and someone who had a profound impact on the lives of those around her.

Scott had reported domestic violence incidents and protection order violations by Lotz beginning in 2020. On February 1, 2022, Lotz pled guilty to Attempted Violation of a Civil Protection Order, a class three misdemeanor. Less than two weeks later, Scott was murdered.

“Domestic violence is a horrible thing, and many people are afraid to speak out,” said a friend of Scott’s. “I thank you for taking this man off the streets and knowing he will never be able to harm another woman or family like this again. Thank you for justice.”

Prosecutors asked the judge to sentence Lotz to the maximum possible sentence on each and every count. “It is appropriate in this case for this defendant because he is a multi-state, multi-victim, domestic violence offender,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Tyra Forbes. “He finished serving out a sentence on a protection order where Michele was the protected party a mere 10 days before he killed her.”

Statement from Chief Deputy District Attorney Tyra Forbes:

“We extend our gratitude to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation and to the jury for ensuring justice was served in this case. The heartbreaking loss of Michele serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers lurking within our community and the reality that domestic violence can happen to anyone. As a seasoned prosecutor, I am deeply saddened by yet another life lost to domestic violence. We must work together as a community to prevent future tragedies by raising awareness and providing resources and support to those affected.”

If you are being abused or know someone who is, please visit Violence Free Colorado https://www.violencefreecolorado.org/resources-2/ to find the domestic violence program nearest you. Anyone in crisis or in need of immediate help, dial 911 or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or TTY (800) 787−3224.

The Court sentenced Lotz to life in prison plus 16.5 years in the Department of Corrections.

Count 1: MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE
Verdict: Guilty
Sentence: Life in Prison

Count 2: TAMPERING WITH A DECEASED HUMAN BODY
Verdict: Guilty
Sentence: 12 years in DOC *Consecutive

Count 3: MENACING
Verdict: Not Guilty

Count 4: AGGRAVATED MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT IN THE FIRST DEGREE
Verdict: Guilty
Sentence: 3 years in DOC *Consecutive

Count 5: TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Verdict: Guilty
Sentence: 18 months in DOC *Consecutive

Count 6: CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A FINANCIAL DEVICE
Verdict: Guilty
Sentence: 18 months in DOC *Concurrent to counts 1-5

GOLDEN, Colo. (May 9, 2023) – Julian Joel Rivera (DOB: 8-23-1986) was sentenced to life in prison by the First Judicial District Court on Friday for the murder of twenty-nine-year-old Geronimo Alvarado in Lakewood. On Mar. 14, 2023, after a 5-day jury trial, a Jefferson County jury convicted Rivera of First Degree Murder.

“We thank the Lakewood Police Department for their investigation and the Jefferson County jury for ensuring justice was served in this case,” said Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Rhoads. “Mr. Rivera will spend the rest of his life in prison, and we hope his sentence brings some sense of closure to Mr. Alvarado’s family.”

On Jan. 26, 2021, at approximately 2:45 am, Lakewood Police Agents were dispatched to the Blue Sky Motel on a report of a gunshot wound victim. The victim, Alvarado, had been shot multiple times and was pronounced deceased on scene. Surveillance video showed a male exit a white GMC SUV, knock on the victim’s hotel room door, and spending only a few seconds in the room before shooting Alvarado.

Later that morning, at approximately 9:45 am, the Commerce City Police Department was dispatched to a male with a gunshot wound to the head. In March of 2021, Rivera was charged with Attempted First Degree Murder in Adams County under 21CR851. Rivera has pled not guilty and is presumed innocent. His next court date is May 31, 2023.

Hours later, at approximately 12:00 pm, the Denver Police Department was dispatched to a male with a gunshot wound to the head. In June of 2021, Rivera was charged with First Degree Murder in Denver County under 21CR20004. He has pled not guilty and is presumed innocent. His next court date is May 11, 2023.

Denver Police were later able to identify Rivera and locate the vehicle utilized in the murder of Alvarado. At approximately 7:00 pm, after a short pursuit, a vehicle driven by Rivera was incapacitated by “stop sticks” and “pit” maneuvers in Castle Rock. Rivera was taken into custody and has remained in custody since.