Thursday, October 31, 2013

Trunk-n-Treat Event Today

TRUNK-n-TREAT TONIGHT

Mesa County, Colo. -- Join the Sheriff's Office Street Crimes Unit deputies and School Resource deputies at the Maverick store located on 29.5 and Patterson Roads, from 4pm to 6pm, today. They will be handing out candy to the kiddos, getting the evening started in a fun and safe manner.

For those of you driving tonight, be mindful of kids crossing streets and possibly darting out into roadways. Also, make sure an older child or adult accompanies kids trick-or-treating, only go to homes you know, check the candy before your kids eat any of it and take a picture of your children in their costume before heading out. 
Dorothy from the Wizard of MCSO

In case your kids lose you while out trick-or-treating tonight, it is very helpful for law enforcement to know exactly what your child looks like in their costume. And don't delay on calling 911 for missing kids/parents.

Witch
Here are a few pictures of people around our office who dressed-up today! Happy Halloween!

Witch
Witch




50's Beauty Queen

Batman

Witch
Deputy with Witchy Attitude



Wednesday, October 30, 2013

20 Pounds Pot Found On Traffic Stop

George Chandler, 23, of Kansas

Traffic Stop On I-70 Nets 20 Pounds Of Pot

Mesa County, Colo. -- A deputy assigned to the Western Colorado Drug Task Force made a traffic stop just after midnight on October 29, 2013, near mile marker 18 on the eastbound side. The vehicle driver and passenger said they were traveling from Las Vegas back to Kansas following attendance at a friend's funeral. However, they were unable to provide a cause of death for their 21-year-old friend who had passed away.
Cody K. Williams, 21, of Kansas
A drug sniffing K-9 was used around the outside of the vehicle and alerted to drugs. The deputy located 20 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of the car. That amount of marijuana has an approximate street value of $50,000.00.

George Chandler, 23, and Cody Williams, 21, both of Kansas, were arrested and booked without incident into the Mesa County Detention Facility on drug distribution related charges.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SheriffMesaColo #GVCopBeat

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

#PolTwt November 1st

Local LE Agencies to participate in Second Global Police Tweet-a-Thon

Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and the Grand Junction Police Department Will Join More Than 100 Participating Agencies Across Six Countries to Take to Twitter Nov 1st.

Mesa County, Colo. -  On Nov 1, starting at 8 a.m., law enforcement agencies around the world will connect via Twitter to participate in a 24-hour Tweet-a-thon to bring attention to the use of social media by law enforcement. Agencies will tweet using the same hashtag, #poltwt, to create awareness about police work and issues police face as well as to promote the use of social media in policing.

“We use social media to connect directly with the citizens of Mesa County and give them an outlet to connect direct with us,” Sheriff Stan Hilkey said. “Taking our message globally, even for a day, brings awareness to the great things law enforcement does in the Grand Valley.”

“Social Media is an important communication tool for our citizens,” said Grand Junction Police Chief John Camper. “It allows us to push important information out to our community, while also receiving direct feedback and comments from those we serve, so that together we can keep Grand Junction a safe place to live.”

"We have participation from agencies in New Zealand and Kenya all over Europe, Canada and the US.” said Lauri Stevens, founder of LAwS Communications and organizer of the Global Police Tweet-a-thon. "We’re calling attention to the great police work being done globally as well as connecting cops around the world.”

Any agency can join the Tweet-a-thon and tweet any portion of the 24-hour period.  

In addition, GJPD and MCSO will use this opportunity to promote #GVCopBeat, which is a local thread for those interested in law enforcement news happening in the Grand Valley.

For more information


Contacts:

Lauri Stevens                                          Kate Porras                                              Heather Benjamin
LAwS Communications                            Grand Junction Police Department         Mesa County Sheriff’s Office   
978-764-9887                                         970-549-5114                                         970-244-3929

lauri@lawscomm.net                               katep@gjcity.org                                     Heather.Benjamin@mesacounty.us

Monday, October 28, 2013

September Stabbing Nets Friday Arrest, Times Three

Three Arrested Friday For September Stabbing Incident

Jesus Alcantar, 21, of Grand Junction
Christopher Salazar, 19, of Clifton
Mesa County, Colo. -- On Friday, October 25, 2013, the Sheriff's Office Street Crimes Unit arrested three men on warrants connected to a stabbing incident that occurred on September 14, 2013, at 525 30 Road, Grand Junction. The three were charged with burglary, assault and criminal trespass, in an event that left one 17-year-old male victim with a stab wound in his upper body.

Marc Martinez, 21, of Clifton
The three suspects arrested:

  • Jesus Alcantar, 21, of Grand Junction
  • Christopher Salazar, 19, of Clifton
  • Marc Martinez, 21, of Clifton
All three suspects have prior criminal history, with Jesus and Marc having been convicted of crimes in Texas. All three suspects were released on personal recognizance bonds after seeing a judge over the weekend.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SheriffMesaColo #GVCopBeat

450 pounds of Rx Drugs Collected

MCSO Collected 450 Pounds Of Prescription Drugs

Mesa County, Colo. -- On Saturday, October 26, 2013, there were four sites across Mesa County collecting unused, unwanted and expired prescription drugs. This was the bi-annual no questions asked collection by local law enforcement in tangent with the DEA.

Fruita Police Department, Palisade Police Department and the Grand Junction Police Department all collected prescription drugs at their respective sites (totals from them haven't come in yet). But, here at the Sheriff's Office, we collected 450 pounds of prescription drugs. This is the most we've ever collected at one site in the years since we've been participating in the event.

Every year the collection totals grow at every site across the County. And throughout the year, we get calls from citizens inquiring about when the next event will be held. We estimate the next Prescription Drug Take Back event to be around April 2014.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SheriffMesaColo #GVCopBeat

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Drug Task Force & Street Crimes Find Drugs, Money, Fugitives

#GVCopBeat Includes Multiple Interstate Busts And Street Crimes Book Fugitives

Aaron Grover, 33, of Calif.
Mesa County, Colo. -- On Wednesday, an interstate interdiction deputy, with the Western Colorado Drug Task Force made two separate vehicle traffic stops on Interstate 70, near the Utah border. 

The first traffic stop was just after 1 a.m., on October 23, near the Loma exit. In that vehicle, Aaron Grover, 33, of California, was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility for possession of approximately 4 pounds of marijuana. That amount of marijuana has an approximate street value of $10, 000.00. Grover has posted bond and is no longer in our jail facility.

The second interstate traffic stop was near the Mack exit, around 10 p.m. Andy Dimnych, 19, of Illinois, was found to have a large amount of cash in his possession, along with  other indicators of drug dealing. Andy was charged with money laundering-criminal intent and a driving infraction. He currently is being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility, and no booking photo is available at this time.
Kim Edwards, 36, of Grand Jct.
Raymond Ayers, 41, of Grand Jct.
The Mesa County Street Crimes Unit booked suspects in two separate incidents they handled in their overnight shift. Community Correction inmate Raymond Ayers was reported to be wanted by Community Corrections, who had notified local law enforcement to be on the lookout for him. SCU deputies located him driving his vehicle near 12th Street and Orchard Avenue about 5 p.m. on October 23. Deputies made contact with the occupants of the vehicle and confirmed Raymond Ayers was the driver and his passenger Kim Edwards, 36, of Grand Junction, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Raymond was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on his Community Correction warrant(s) and Kim was booked on a single count of meth possession and bail bond condition violation. 
Randi Sanchez, 32, of Grand Jct.
Adolph Nuncio, 29, of Grand Jct.
Randi Sanchez, 32, and Adolph Nuncio, 29, both of Grand Junction, were located in the area of 21st Street and Walnut Avenue, by deputy with the Mesa County Street Crimes Unit about 10:30 p.m., on October 23. Adolph was wanted by Parole for violation of his parole conditions and Randi gave false names to deputies when first contacted. Adolph was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the Parole violation(s) and Randi was booked into jail on a Failure to Appear in Court warrant for case 13CR1239 and a new felony charge of Criminal Impersonation.





Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Wanted Men

This Week's Wanted...


Jay Dee Linkenhoger, 32, of Grand Jct.
Jeremy Wayne Smith, 27, of Grand Jct.




















Jay D. Linkenhoger is described as: White Male/5’ 10” tall/weighing 170 pounds

Jeremy W. Smith is described as: White Male/6’ tall/weighing 140 pounds

Anyone with information on either man's whereabouts, can report that information to dispatch (by calling 911) or remain anonymous by reporting through Crime Stoppers of Mesa County. You can call, text or submit tips through the website

Follow @SheriffMesaColo #GVCopBeat for information from the streets of Mesa County.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Colorado State Patrol Find 92 Pounds Of Drugs

Ramiro Gutierrez, 55, of Calif.

Colorado State Patrol Find 92 Pounds Of Marijuana In Car, On I-70

Mesa County, Colo. -- Our local law enforcement partners, the Colorado State Patrol, released the following news release and photo of 92 pounds of marijuana they located in a vehicle after a traffic stop on I-70, this last weekend.
A CSP Trooper booked one suspect into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to the marijuana. Ramiro Munez-Gutierrez, 55, of California is the suspect arrested.  We estimate the street value of that amount of marijuana at over $225,000.00. 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                      
Date: October 20, 2013          Time: 3:30 p.m.
A large-scale law-enforcement operation in Mesa County over the weekend experienced notable success and underscored the importance of traffic stops as a crucial tool in criminal interdiction.  
Between Friday morning and Saturday night, Colorado State Patrol Troopers hosted a multi-jurisdictional operation with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and the Grand Junction and Fruita police departments.  The two-pronged purpose:  to interdict criminal activity such as auto theft and drug trafficking and to encourage safe driving behaviors through strict enforcement of traffic laws.
"With our law enforcement partners in Mesa County, Troopers made a focused effort to protect Colorado motorists, while holding accountable those who would endanger them," said Major Matt Packard of the Colorado State Patrol's Criminal Investigations Branch.  "We are determined to cease the use of our roadways in the furtherance of criminal activity and unsafe behaviors."
During a 48-hour period, the operation tallied the following accomplishments:
1)  Troopers contacted 336 motorists for 393 violations of traffic and criminal laws.  236 motorists were contacted as a result of dangerous or improper driving behavior.
2)  Troopers located and arrested the drivers of two stolen vehicles.
3)  A Trooper detected and confiscated 92 pounds of high-grade marijuana concealed in a vehicle and packaged for distribution.  (See attached photo.)

Photo provided by: Colorado State Patrol
4)  Troopers located and arrested four fugitives on Colorado State Patrol warrants for multiple DUI violations, habitual traffic offenses, careless driving causing death, and criminally negligent child abuse.

5)  Troopers seized a vehicle with a false compartment designed to transport methamphetamine.

6)  Troopers seized a stolen handgun with an altered serial number.

7)  Eight people were arrested for drug/alcohol violations.

8)  106 drivers were cited--including a reckless driver traveling more than 110 miles-per-hour and forcing vehicles off the roadway.  290 motorists were educated through verbal and written warnings for less serious violations.

The Colorado State Patrol is extremely grateful to its partners on the western slope for their participation in the operation's success.  The operation's success is a reminder that cooperation between law-enforcement agencies continues to benefit Colorado residents and public safety as a whole.

###

Sheriff's Office vs. Sheriff's Department...which is correct?

Is it the Office of Sheriff or a Department...


Monday, October 21, 2013

Driver Parks In Yard and Meth Arrest With Kids In House

Vehicular Eluding, Meth And Domestic Violence Arrests

Andrew Burke, 21, of Whitewater
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies over the weekend booked multiple suspects into the Mesa County Detention Facility on Domestic Violence related charges. To view a daily report of everyone booked into the jail and released, visit our Blotter website.

Vehicular eluding was one of 12 charges 21-year-old Andrew Burke was booked into jail for on October 18, 2013. Burke was suspected of driving a vehicle that wasn't his in a reckless manner that included jumping a curb and parking in someone's front yard. After our Traffic Safety deputy did not pursue, but remained in the area, dispatch received a call from a witness reporting a reckless driver matching the description of the vehicle deputies attempted to stop. Our Traffic Safety deputy was able to perform a traffic stop on the vehicle after locating it short time later in the same area of Bing Street and Royal Ann Way, Clifton. Burke's parents were driving the car at this time, and claimed to have no previous information about the dangerous driving behavior witnessed just minutes before.
Christopher Jacobsen, 28, of Grand Jct.
Burke was located in the backseat of the car under clothing, attempting to hide from deputies. A loaded semi-automatic handgun and methamphetamine was also located in the vehicle. Burke does not have a driver's license and is a convicted felon.

Deputies responded to a residences in the 3100 block of Hill Avenue, where Christopher Jacobsen, 28, of Grand Junction had two young children living among his drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine. He was charged with child abuse and for possession of the drugs. He was booked without incident into the jail on October 20, 2013.

For updated bond information, visit our Inmate Inquiry System. For breaking law enforcement news in Mesa County follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat

Friday, October 18, 2013

Do You Recognize These Men?

Suspects Used Stolen Debit Card At Wal-mart

Mesa County, Colo. -- Two Hispanic males, likely in their 20's, used a stolen debit card at a local Wal-mart store. The suspects were in the store with two females who had children with them. Investigators are trying to identify the two male suspects only. 

They are described as: One wearing a grey t-shirt, black shorts with grey on the bottom of each leg—he has short hair (buzz cut style) and possibly some facial hair. The other suspect has short hair, with sunglasses on his head, wearing a blue or black t-shirt, blue jeans and black shoes. Both males appear to be in their 20’s.

Anyone who can identify these suspects, should call Investigator Tyer at: 970.244.3919, and leave a message.

For breaking news information across Mesa County, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo or #GVCopBeat

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Overnight Arrests Include Child Abuse Neglect, False Reporting

Dawnesia Davis, 38, of Grand Junction

Father Knows Best & Female Gives Fake Name

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies recently responded to separate incidents that resulted in the arrest of two adults. Around noon on October 16, Dawnesia Davis, 38, of Grand Junction, was arrested in the 500 block of 32 Road after being suspected of damaging a vehicle. When deputies asked for her description of the events that led to the Sheriff's Office being called out, she provided a fake name. As deputies were placing her into custody, she damaged a deputy's radio and kicked a deputy in the shin.
Ultimately, Dawnesia was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on two counts of Criminal Mischief, False Reporting, Resisting Arrest and 2nd Degree Assault on a Peace Officer.

Joshua Roles, 33, of Clifton
Just after midnight, on October 17, Joshua Roles, 33, of Clifton, was contacted by deputies after they were called to a domestic disturbance in the 3200 block of D 1/2 Road, in Clifton. Through dispatch, deputies determined it was 38 degrees outside and Roles was attempting to take his infant child to his residence. The infant was located in a stroller with only a shirt on and had been sleeping inside the child's mother's home prior. 
Roles is restrained by court order from using alcohol, which he self admitted to deputies to having used and being under the influence of at the time of contact. Roles was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to child abuse-neglect, resisting arrest and violation of a court/protection order.

For the latest bond information, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage. And get all the latest information on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo #GVCopBeat

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Five Pounds Of Meth, Drug Task Force Arrests One

Carlos Garcia, 36, Los Angeles

Traffic Stop Leads To Meth Bust

Mesa County, Colo. -- Interdiction deputies with the Western Colorado Drug Task Force stopped a rental car near mile marker 18 on eastbound Interstate 70. It was about 10:40 a.m., on October 15, 2013, when deputies witnessed multiple traffic infractions and pulled the black passenger car over.

There was a single occupant and driver of the vehicle, Carlos Garcia, 36, of Los Angeles, Calif. Carlos gave consent to the interdiction deputies to search his vehicle and they located 5.5 pounds of methamphetamine in the liner of a cooler, in the vehicle trunk. The deputies found it suspicious that the cooler had water bottles and soda pop in it, but no ice. There were pry marks on the cooler liner to indicate the cooler had been tampered with.

The approximate street value of 5.5 pounds of methamphetamine is between $100,000.00 to $150,000.00. A criminal history of Carlos (in Mesa County) found he was previously arrested and convicted of transporting 8 pounds of marijuana by Greyhound bus. In both Mesa County arrests, his final destination was Colorado Springs.

For bond information, visit our Inmate Inquiry System. And follow our latest MCSO Breaking News on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo #GVCopBeat

 

Friday, October 11, 2013

Drug Task Force Arrests Eight Overnight

Eight People Arrested in Drug Investigation

MESA COUNTY, Colo – The Western Colorado Drug Task Force arrested eight people yesterday in connection with a drug investigation that has been taking place during the last four months.

The investigation centered on methamphetamine distribution in Mesa County, and resulted in search warrants issued for four residences.  Three of those residences are in Grand Junction; the fourth is outside the city limits.

Those arrested face charges ranging from possession and distribution of drugs, to money laundering and weapons violations.  All of the arrest and search warrants related to this case have been sealed by the courts as the investigation continues.

The names of those arrested are:
· Francisca Arias (DOB 7-18-1991)
· Carlos Delfin (DOB 9-25-1989)
· Dante Delfin (DOB 8-28-1986)
· Saul Alexander Delfin-Lopez (DOB 3-14-1988)
· Christopher David Merle Franklin (DOB 10-5-1982)
· Kenneth Allen Higgs (DOB 6-14-1954)
· David Lee Ortego (DOB 9-7-1957)
· Kevin Smith (DOB 1-18-1981)

Booking photos of those arrested are not available at this time.

Bond updates can be accessed via the Sheriff’s Office website InmateInquiry System.



The Western Colorado Drug Task Force is a partnership established in the early 1980’s between the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, the Grand Junction Police Department and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. The Task Force is designed to fight the battles of drugs on the frontlines and other crimes that are associated with dealing and using drugs.  Grand Junction Police Chief John Camper and Mesa County Sheriff Stan Hilkey agree this Task Force is effective and nationally competitive in the law enforcement field when it comes to knowledge, experience and team work. The Drug Task Force provides a refined level of service to the law abiding citizens of Mesa County and across the Western Slope.

UPDATE: ARRESTED/Wanted: Brian L. Parker

UPDATE: ARRESTED

Mesa County, Colo.-- The Street Crimes Unit of the Mesa County Sheriff's Office located and arrested Brian L. Parker at the Sears retail store in Grand Junction. Parker was taken into custody at 7:57 p.m. on October 11, 2013, without incident.

Our original post remains listed below...

WANTED: Brian L. Parker

Mesa County, Colo. -- Brian Leslie Parker, 37, of Grand Junction has an active warrant for his arrest. That warrant is for $50,000.00. Anyone who knows his location or has any information about his whereabouts, should call 911 or non-emergency dispatch at (970) 242-6707.
To remain anonymous, you can report to Crime Stoppers of Mesa County by calling (970) 241-STOP.

Follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo with #GVCopBeat #MCCrimestoppers

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Cemetery Thief Steals Vases

Cemetery Thief Steals Vases, Cashes Them In

David Gillespie, 26, Homeless
Mesa County, Colo. -- In May 2013, deputies took a report of 15 stolen bronze vases/urns from Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The headstones associated with the missing vases/urns were primarily those of veterans, according to the Memorial Gardens staff who reported the items stolen. The estimated loss of those stolen vases was $9,000.00, at the time the report was taken.
Local recycling businesses were notified of the missing vases and urns. On June 20, one of those local businesses notified the Grand Junction Police Department that David Bryan Gillespie had brought similar vase/urn items into the business for sale/recycling. 
Investigators with the Sheriff's Office ultimately obtained a warrant for Gillespie who was arrested on this warrant outside of Mesa County. He was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility on October 8, 2013. He faces three charges associated with this theft, one of which is a felony and two misdemeanor charges. 



Crime Stoppers For The Week Of Oct 11, 2013

CRIME OF THE WEEK

Crime Stoppers of Mesa Country

The Grand Junction Police Department needs the public’s help to identify and locate suspect(s) that were involved in an assault and robbery.
On Saturday, September 28, about 10:00 a.m., two African American males approached the victim in the area of 28 ½ Road and North Avenue. The subjects assaulted and robbed the victim before leaving the area.
The suspects were described as between 18 and 25 years old, 5’10” to 6’2”, weighing between 150 and 180 pounds. Both had shoulder length dread-locks and both were wearing black pants, with a black hooded sweatshirt.
If you know the identity or location of the subject(s) involved, please contact Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP. Information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest can earn you up to $1,000 cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. GJPD Case # 13-47328
Follow local law enforcement and local Crime Stoppers on Twitter, #MCCrimStoppers #GVCopBeat

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Safe Kids Community Classes

Safe Kids Community Classes, Three Part Series

Mesa County, Colo. -- The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is hosting a free three-part community class on Teens and Prescription Drugs and Heroin Abuse. The first class is October 22, at the Canyon View Vineyard Church Chapel, 736 24.5 Road, Grand Junction, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

The second class will be November 19 and the final class will be December 17, (times and locations to be determined). Prescription drug abuse and subsequent heroin addictions within our young population are becoming a significant public health and public safety concern. 

These informative classes seek to educate parents and teens about the dangers to teens and trends we are seeing in our community and in the nation. Please RSVP to these free classes through the Safe Kids America website or call Deputy Chad Williams at 970-986-1187 for more information.


The media is encouraged to cover these community classes in advance and during the classes. Media should contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office PIO directly for scheduling in advance or speak with Deputy Williams during the classes.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Rx Drug Take Back Event, Oct 26th

Prescription Drug Take Back Event Coming, Plan Ahead

Mesa County, Colo. -- On Saturday, October 26, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Mesa County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Grand Junction Police Department, Palisade Police Department, and the Fruita Police Department will be participating in the bi-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

This event seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. On this day, local law enforcement and the DEA will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. The locations for the upcoming Drug Take Back event, are: The Grand Junction Police Department (6th St. and Ute Ave.), Fruita Police Department (157 S. Mesa St.), Palisade Town Hall (175 E. Third St.), and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office (215 Rice St.). The flyer has more information, including a list of items which cannot be accepted.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. According to the DEA, many Americans are not aware that medicines in their home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. People often choose to flush them down the toilet or throwing them away in the trash, both of which are potential safety and health hazards.

As a reminder, the Mesa County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility will take: needles and sharps, over-the-counter medications, pressurized or aerosol and mercury containing items Thursdays through Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is free of charge to Mesa County residents. However, they are NOT able to accept controlled substances (narcotics), chemotherapy or radio-active substances or oxygen tanks. The Mesa County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility can be reached directly at (970) 257-9336 or (970) 256-9543. 

Follow local tips and reminders about this event on Twitter using #DrugTakeBack and @SheriffMesaColo.

Busted For Meth, And More

Weekend Arrests Include Meth And Tipsee Driver

Ruben Gomez, 30, of Grand Jct.
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies responded to a fight in the area of Dawn Drive and 29 Road late Saturday night. Deputies with our agency's Street Crimes Unit contacted 30-year-old Ruben Gomez, who was leaving the immediate area on a bicycle. Ultimately, Gomez was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia after deputies found the drug and a pipe in his sweatshirt.

James Harris, 35, of Clifton

James Harris, 35-years-old, was arrested late on the night of October 6, after a DUI patrol deputy witnessed erratic driving. Harris was contacted by the DUI enforcement deputy near D 1/2 and 31 Roads. Harris was already found to have his driver's license suspended due to previous driving impairment(s), not paying child support and more. Due to his current (denied) driving status and driving laws, it was mandatory he be arrested.

Jewell Fugate, 25, of Montrose

Jewell Fugate, 25-years-old, was contacted by deputies in Whitewater over the weekend. Fugate had two outstanding warrants for her arrest. It would seem she knew about the warrants because she gave deputies a fake name. They were able to identify her by previous booking photo(s) and the unique letter tattooed on her hand. Fugate was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the warrants and additional charges associated with criminal impersonation and possession of methamphetamine. 

Utility Scam Nets $300 Cash From Victim

Utilities Scam, Be Aware Area Residents

The following is a report from our patrol unit. The victim's name has been removed.

On 09/28/13 at approximately 1500 hours I was assigned a criminal impersonation and theft report. 
I contacted the complainant, by telephone.  She told me that on approximately 07/01/13 a man from Xcel Energy came to her home, in Mesa County, to collect money from a past due bill.  The man told her if she did not pay her bill he would have to shut off her power.  The man showed her a bill so she paid him $100.00 in cash.  The man did not give her a receipt. 
The man came back the next week, approximately 07/07/13 and again told her she was behind on her bill and showed her the past due bill.  She had $200.00 in cash so she paid him.  He did not give her a receipt. 
She said the man was "short," approximately 5'10" tall, 175 lbs, having a "slight pooch."  She said he had short, brown hair and was wearing blue jeans, and a t-shirt; a white t-shirt during the first contact and a blue / denim t-shirt during the second contact.
She said she has since moved out of that apartment and just recently attempted to get her electricity turned back on.  Xcel Energy told her they did not receive any payments from her and that the man who collected money from her does not work for Xcel.  Xcel refused to turn on the power until she pays the bill.  They told her a second option would be to file a police report, advising of the theft, and they would then turn on the power. 
I advised her this report would be completed and possibly available this Monday. 
END

From Xcel Energy's website on identifying their employees...

How to Identify an Xcel Energy Worker

You can always ask us for a company identification

Ask to see a company ID if someone on your property claims to be working for Xcel Energy, regardless of the work being performed. If the person cannot show you an ID, ask him or her to leave and return only with proper identification. If you have questions about someone claiming to work for Xcel Energy, please call our Customer Contact Center at 800-895-4999.
All Xcel Energy employees and most contractors who perform work for us carry company ID cards.
Typical examples of situations that require a utility worker to enter your home:
  • Natural gas-related issues
  • Appliance checks
  • Meter readings/checks
These situations are usually a response to a request that you initiated -- asking us to check a suspected gas odor or leak, to service appliances or check your meter -- or you are expecting the visit -- or for routine meter-reading visits.
Occasionally, we may ask for access into your home, but not in response to a request you have placed. This could occur if there has been a natural gas outage in your neighborhood and we need indoor access to relight the pilot lights on your gas appliances, or to perform a gas leak test.
Some situations may require that we enter your yard to:
  • Restore power associated with an electric outage in your neighborhood -- our work is usually performed on poles or metal pad-mounted cabinets
  • Change out or restore an outside meter that was temporarily shut off
  • Locate and/or dig for buried utilities
  • Trim trees away from power lines that run through your property
We encourage you to always ask for proof of identification.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Local Law Enforcement Team-up With Red Robin For Fundraiser Event

Local Fundraiser...

Grand Junction, Colo. -- Local law enforcement along with the Western Colorado Peace Officers Academy cadets have teamed up with Red Robin, a Grand Junction restaurant, to raise money for the Chipeta Elementary 5th graders. The funds raised will send the Chipeta Elementary 5th graders to Camp Redcloud

The Western Colorado Peace Officers Academy cadets have a community project assigned to each graduating class. The Academy cadets choose their own project, market it and complete it. This is the project for the current Academy cadets, who will graduate the Peace Officers Academy later this year.

Meth Arrest & Bar Fight

Overnight Arrests Include Meth Possession & Bar Fight

William Strand, 41, of Clifton
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies were called to the Clifton Post Office on the morning of October 3, 2013, on a reported man and woman arguing. Deputies made contact with the two adults, ultimately arresting 41-year-old Clifton resident, William Strand. Strand was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on a charge of methamphetamine possession and drug paraphernalia.
Joshua Caswell, 29, of MO
On the night of October 3, deputies arrested Missouri resident, Joshua Caswell, 29, who was suspected of being involved in a bar fight. The fight occurred at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant & Bar in Mesa, Colo. Caswell was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on two charges of Felony Menacing related to the assault.
Inmate bond information can be found on our Inmate Inquiry System webpage for anyone booked and currently in our facility. 


Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Roger Vigil, Missing Man From Loma

Missing Man

Mesa County, Colo. -- Roger Vigil was reported missing to deputies on September 23, 2013, after he packed a small bag of personal items and walked away from his home.

Investigators currently have concern about his health because he did not take his prescription medication with him.
This flyer has an additional photo of Roger and an updated description of him, to include a black cast on his left arm.

Deputies and Investigators want to check his welfare. Anyone who knows his where abouts or sees him, should call 911, or can contact Investigator Piechota at (970) 244-3260.

Marijuana Bust Nets 8 Pounds Off Bus

Haley Corder, 19 of Calif.

Marijuana Street Value $20,000

Grand Junction, CO. -- A woman riding a bus through Grand Junction is now facing felony drug charges, after Western Colorado Drug Task Force officers found approximately 8 pounds of marijuana inside her luggage.
The bust came during a routine drug and weapon check last Friday at the Greyhound Station here in Grand Junction.  A DTF drug sniffing dog alerted to the presence of drugs while the passengers were waiting for the bus to be serviced inside the Greyhound garage.  The DTF officers could also smell raw marijuana coming from a duffle bag in the luggage bin inside the bus.
After the passengers re-boarded to continue their trip, the officers identified the owner of the bag, 19-year-old Haley Jo Corder of McKinleyville, CA.  A judge signed a search warrant for her bag, and DTF officers found several vacuum sealed packages containing approximately 8 pounds of marijuana.  Corder was taken into custody and charged with possession of marijuana, a class 6 felony.  The approximate street value of the marijuana is $20,000.
 Bond information can be located through our Inmate Inquiry System on our website. Media can contact Kate Porras for more information on this arrest and incident. 
About the Western Colorado Drug Task Force:
The Western Colorado Drug Task Force is a partnership established in the early 1980’s between the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, the Grand Junction Police Department and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. The Task Force is designed to fight the battles of drugs on the frontlines and other crimes that are associated with dealing and using drugs. Grand Junction Police Chief John Camper and Mesa County Sheriff Stan Hilkey agree this Task Force is effective and nationally competitive in the law enforcement field when it comes to knowledge, experience and team work. The Drug Task Force provides a refined level of service to the law abiding citizens of Mesa County and across the Western Slope.