Friday, August 29, 2014

Public's Help Needed In Identifying Remains Found In River

Update on Unidentified Body Found in River

UPDATED 08/29/2014--Mesa County, CO. --  The body that was discovered in the river on August 20, 2014 has been positively identified as, Rodney Lee Crumbaker, 57 of Clifton.  Positive identification was made with a joint effort from the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, the Grand Junction Police Department, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.  Investigators continue to work to determine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Crumbaker’s death.


The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all those who provided information regarding this incident.


Mesa County, CO. -- Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying the body that was found yesterday (August 20, 2014) in the Colorado River, in Mesa County. The deceased male does not match the description of any known missing persons associated with cases in our area.

Please see the Coroner's press release for further details about this found body. Here is a description from the Coroner's release: The person is an unknown male as young as 45-years-old and as old as 75-years-old. He was likely a smoker, average to muscular build, had no teeth, 5’ 10” tall and approximately 150 pounds, and appears to be Caucasian or Hispanic. It appears that he could have been in the water approximately 2 to 6 months.

Anyone with information that can help in establishing this persons identity is being asked to contact Investigator Pete Burg directly, at (970) 244-3263.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Arrest Made In Death Investigation

Son Charged With Death Of Mother

Daniel Stetzel, 31 (Photo taken July 2014)
Mesa County, Colo. -- On August 26, Daniel Stetzel, 31, was charged in the death of his mother Kathleen Stetzel. Kathleen was found in the desert area north of Grand Junction on July 24, after having been reported missing by family members on July 22, 2014.

Daniel was arrested by officers with the Grand Junction Police Department on the riverfront trail on July 28, on outstanding warrants and new charges of criminal impersonation and drugs. Daniel has since been held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on a parole hold, unable to bond out of jail.

Daniel was advised of the charge against him of second degree murder on August 26, at the Mesa County Detention Facility. He previously had met with investigators and public defenders on the afternoon of August 25, confessing to the death of his mother, Kathleen.

Daniel remains held in jail with no bond. For information about any inmate in our jail, visit our Inmate Inquiry webpage.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Alcohol Violations, Two Jailed

Two Separate Arrests For Alcohol Violations

Teen party reported to deputies

Kimberly Shields, 18, of Clifton
Mesa County, Colo. -- Kimberly Shields, 18, of Clifton, had numerous juveniles in her home, consuming alcohol and being rowdy enough to rouse a call into dispatch about an underage party going on in the 400 block of 32 1/8 Road, Clifton, Friday night. Deputies contacted multiple juveniles aged 17-18 outside of the apartment upon initial arrival. However, multiple teens ranging in age from 13 to 18 years old were later contacted inside the home.

Eleven of the teens received underage consumption tickets and Kimberly was arrested on a class 4 felony charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. For more information about underage drinking, visit the Center for Disease Control's webpage


Here are some highlights from the CDC's webpage, on underage drinking:

Consequences of Underage Drinking
Youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience...
  • Legal problems, such as arrest for driving or physically hurting someone while drunk.
  • Unwanted, unplanned, and unprotected sexual activity.
  • Physical and sexual assault.
  • Higher risk for suicide and homicide.
  • Alcohol-related car crashes and other unintentional injuries, such as burns, falls, and drowning.
  • Death from alcohol poisoning.

Youth who start drinking before age 15 years are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after age 21 years.

_____________________________________________

Driver nearly hits deputy while conducting traffic control

Sean Kornley, 44, of Palisade
Mesa County, Colo. -- On Saturday night, a patrol deputy assisting with the flow of traffic while a nearby crash was cleaned-up was nearly struck by a suspected drunk driver. The driver of the Honda Accord was going east on Front Street near 33 3/4 Road, Clifton, when the deputy quickly moved out of the path of the car to avoid being struck. The driver stopped a short distance in the road and the deputy was able to make contact with him. The driver was identified as Sean Kornley, 44, of Palisade.

Sean eventually conducted a breath test with a blood alcohol concentration (level) of .261, which is above the .08 legal limit for driving under the influence of alcohol. An open bottle of Vodka and an unopened 6-pack of beer were located inside Sean's vehicle. A criminal history on Sean also located DUI arrests of him in 1992, 2003 and 2004. 

Sean was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on on charges related to DUI, open container and disregarding a police officer during traffic control. A mid-year report released by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial site, notes a drastic increase in traffic related on-duty deaths of law enforcement across the country. Of the 26 traffic related, line of duty deaths thus far in 2014, 6 were reported to be outside of their agency issued vehicle (likely conducting traffic or on a traffic stop). To read the complete report, visit the NLEOM webpage.

Sean was issued a $5,000 personal recognizance bond and is scheduled to next appear in court on September 10, 2014, at 8 a.m.


Interstate Interdiction Nets 6 Pounds Of Meth

Vehicle Had Hidden Compartment With Meth

Rosa Perales, 32, of Fresno, CA
Mesa County, Colo. -- A Fresno, California woman and two juveniles traveling in a vehicle eastbound on Interstate 70 were stopped for driving violation near mile marker 16, last Thursday. Ultimately, deputies with the Western Colorado Drug Task Force located approximately 6 pounds of packaged methamphetamine in a hidden compartment in the vehicle. The estimate street value of that amount of meth is approximately $150,000.00.

Rosa Perales, 32, was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to possession with intent to distribute meth and child abuse (no injury). Her bond was set at $50,000.00, cash only. She is scheduled to appear in court next, on August 25, at 8 a.m.

For information about any inmate currently in our facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.



Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Attention All Runners

Support Search & Rescue, Kokopelli Classic Run

Dedicated Ground Team Truck Will Be Unveiled

Mesa County, Colo. -- Calling all trail runners to the 8th Annual Kokopelli Classic 8 & 16 Mile Trail Runs, in Loma, on Saturday, August 23. And, for media, the brand new dedicated truck resource for the Mesa County Search & Rescue Ground Team, will be unveiled at 9 a.m.


The truck was primarily purchased with money raised through the entry fees and local sponsorships of the Kokopelli Classic Run from the past five years, with additional funding from the Grand Junction Lions Club and Mesa County Search & Rescue Control, Inc. The new truck will allow the Ground Team members to be 100% ready to go on a mission with the ability to access nearly any part of the rugged terrain of Mesa County. 

The Ground Team supports all the teams that comprise Mesa County Search & Rescue Control, Inc., a non-profit organization that operates under the umbrella of the Sheriff's Office, but is it's own entity. By Colorado statute, the Sheriff is required to provide search and rescue functions. Here in Mesa County, everyone (visitors and citizens) benefit from this partnership of local experts who volunteer their time allowing no charge to anyone requiring a rescue mission.

The new truck is the only vehicle dedicated to the Ground Team, who's current members drive their personal vehicles to rescue locations. According to Mark Hart, the Ground Team President, the truck will allow the team to respond quicker, gives them more flexibility (especially in the case of multiple missions) and will haul 6 adults. The finishing touches to the truck will include installing a box for securing equipment and putting the appropriate stickers on the truck to identify it and thank supporters. The truck is a Dodge 3/4 ton pick-up truck with club cab and 4-wheel drive.

Media are invited and encouraged to cover the run and the unveiling of the new truck at 9 a.m., on Saturday, August 23, at the Kokopelli Trailhead, in Loma. Ground Team President Mark Hart and others will be on-hand to speak with media and awesome visuals will be provided, too. Don't miss this opportunity!

For anyone interested in registering for the run, there is still time! But, don't delay. Register for either the 8-mile (kicks off at 7:30 a.m.) or 16-mile (kicks off at 7 a.m.) trail run through the Ground Team's website: www.mcsargt.com or call (970) 270-6147.

Stolen Car, Two Arrested

Two Arrested In Stolen Car, Meth Found

Joshua Halladay, 19
Mesa County, Colo. -- The driver of a white Ford Mustang turned onto a dead end street where patrol deputies where then able to contact the driver and passenger of the car. Deputies initiated a stop of the vehicle after it was identified as being reported stolen out of Eagle County. Deputies noted in their report that they recognized the driver as Derek Cuppett, 20, of Grand Junction, from prior contact(s) with him. The passenger was 19-year-old, Joshua Halladay. 

Derek Cuppett, 20
Joshua was found to have suspected methamphetamine in his possession, along with drug paraphernalia (including a used hypodermic needle), and was charged accordingly, in addition to accessory to a crime in connection with the stolen vehicle. Joshua was given a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.

Derek was charged with first degree motor vehicle theft--uses vehicle in the commission of a crime, vehicular eluding and drove vehicle without a valid driver's license. Derek was issued a $5,000 cash only bond.

For information on any inmate in our detention facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage. Also, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Re-Cap On Arrests

Roberto Bedoy-Cantero

Arrest Highlights From This Week

Roberto Bedoy-Cantero, 26, of Grand Junction, was arrested in the 2900 block of Ronda Lee Road, on August 2. He was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to arson, criminal mischief, false imprisonment, physical harassment, child abuse and domestic violence. His bond was set at $7,500.00, cash or surety, and he is next scheduled to appear in court on August 12, at 8 a.m.


Dustin Scott
Deputies witnessed Dustin Scott, 34, driving a motorcycle on the night of August 2. Deputies were aware of two warrants for his arrest and made contact with him inside Midlands Village, located on 32 Road. In addition to the warrants for Dustin's arrest, deputies booked him into jail on charges related to possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a dangerous weapon, unlawfully carrying a dangerous weapon, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, and violation of a protection order.


Jessica Cardoso
On August 4, deputies responded to the report of a fight at the Racquet Club Apartments, 2915 Orchard Avenue. Deputies located a female who had been assaulted, but the fight had dispersed prior to deputies arriving on-scene. However, through the course of victim and witness statements, Travis Waugh, 37, was suspected of being the aggressor along with two females,  Sarah Eckler, 36, and Jessica Cardoso, 27, all of Grand Junction.
Sarah Eckler
    • Travis was booked into jail on charges related to burglary, assault, robbery, theft, obstruction of a telephone, domestic violence, prohibited use of a weapon and child abuse.
    • Sarah was booked into jail on charges related to burglary, robbery, theft, assault, resisting arrest and child abuse.
    • Travis Waugh
    • Three days after the incident, Jessica turned herself into deputies and was booked into the jail in the early morning hours of August 7. She was charged with burglary, assault and complicity to commit robbery and theft.





    Amanda Giron
What started as a traffic stop at 29 Road and Pinyon Avenue, quickly turned into the arrest of Amanda Giron, 25, of Delta. Patrol deputies confirmed Amanda had a warrant for her arrest and charged her with driving under the influence of drugs. During a search of her possessions, additional drugs and an open container of alcohol were located in the vehicle. She was booked into the jail without incident on the following charges: possession of methamphetamine (11.9 grams), possession of a controlled substance (5.1 grams of morphine sulfate), tampering with physical evidence, DUI of drugs, drove uninsured vehicle, drove with a canceled/denied driver's license, open container, possession of drug paraphernalia and other traffic infractions.



    Camellia Bradley
Camellia Bradley, 27, of Grand Junction, gave deputies a fake name during a traffic stop in the area of Morning Dove Drive and D 1/2 Road, yesterday afternoon. Deputies recognized Camellia and located two active warrants for her arrest in the system. Camellia was arrested on those warrants, as well as being charged with criminal impersonation for providing a fake identity to deputies, and for possession of a schedule 4 controlled substance (prescription pills). She was released on a personal recognizance bond of $6,500.00, and she is next scheduled to appear in court on August 15, at 8 a.m.
For information about any inmate in our facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry webpage.

Concert Event For Deputy's Medical Fund



Donations for Deputy Keith Chadd's Medical Fund can also be made directly, at:
Grand Junction Federal Credit Union
910 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Tel: (970) 243-1370
Made checks payable to: Keith's Medical Account

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Citizen Warning: Mailbox Break-Ins

Multiple Mailboxes Have Been Broken Into In Recent Weeks

Report Suspicious People & Damaged Mailboxes


Mesa County, Colo. — Law Enforcement has received multiple reports from the United States Postal Service about recent mailbox break-ins by unknown individuals in recent weeks. Areas in Grand Junction and other surrounding communities have been effected by these break-ins, postal workers told deputies. 

It is unknown if mail was present in the mailboxes at the time of forced entry, or if these acts are just an act of vandalism or theft. The suspects have been prying open the metal mailboxes and it appears they may using a drill, as well. The damage prevents the mailbox from being locked. 

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has taken action to repair all of the effected mailboxes, at an average cost of $1,400 per mailbox, documents in deputies reports of criminal mischief. Deputies first became aware of this problem after postal carriers discovered the damage at various locations. Several reports of suspicious activity have been reported, and citizens are encouraged to remain diligent and aware for any unusual activity or individual(s) around the mailboxes, possibly at odd hours of the day/night. All individuals within these zip codes are advised to keep an eye on all bank accounts, credit cards and potential packages. If anything seems awry, contact the non-emergency dispatch phone line at: 970.242.6707, to file a report and then notify the appropriate Post Office of the damage, as well. 

Affected areas, reported by the USPS:

81504--
Duffy Dr. and Cross Canyon Ln.
Keener St. and Striker Dr.
30 ¾ Rd. and Baltic and Alegre Ct.s
Chatfield Dr. and D ½ Rd.
Lark Dr. and Thrush Dr.
Hawkwood Ct. and 30 ½ Rd. – Witness reported seeing two females in blue sedan

81505--
Witness reported seeing male person attempting to break into unit in 2400 block of Cimarron Dr.

81501--
Kennedy Ave. and Compton St.
550 Block of 28 ½ Rd.
1400 Block of Cedar Ct.

81503--
Michaelas Pl.

81507--
300 Block of Cliff View Dr.
2200 Block of Tuscany Dr.

81520--
Lands End Ave. and D ¾ Rd.
Michael St.

If a mailbox is broken into, the Post Office will hold mail until repairs can be made. Customers may bring a valid photo ID to retrieve mail held at the following location(s). Typically, the Post Office is fixing the damage within 1 to 2 days and then resumes delivery, USPS told us.
The following locations service these zip codes-- 
- 200 Rood Ave., services: 81501, 81502, 81503
- 602 Burkey St., services: 81504, 81505, 81506, 81507 
- 3252 F Rd., services: 81520

Customers should report any incidents first to law enforcement, then contact--
Nick Morgan, Manager Customer Services
Tel: 307.253.9769

###

Written By: Katie B. 

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Coronary Artery Risk Evaluation, A Partnership With Community Hospital

CARE: Coronary Artery Risk Evaluation 

Boise (Idaho) Police Department takes initiative on life-saving program that catches on here in Mesa County  

By: Katie, MCSO Intern

When you think officer safety, issues like driving, firearms and patrol stops, are on the forefront. Yet, what seems to slip through the cracks is often an officer’s physical health.

A new initiative by the Boise (Idaho) Police Department—BPD, has been noticed and taken into consideration by the Mesa County Sheriff's Office. In conjunction with Community Hospital in Grand Junction, CARE—Coronary Artery Risk Evaluation, will become the newest in-house program the Sheriff's Office has to offer its employees.

According to an article printed in Police Chief Magazine, January 2014 edition, the physical heart/health program was designed by the BPD to "demonstrate the need for life-saving programs to take a much more personalized approach and consider personal health an element of officer safety, particularly heart disease."

According to BPD Chief Masterson as printed in the Police Chief Magazine, "Education, nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyle choices are just as important for officer safety as tactical and firearms training."

By adopting a progressive program that emphasizes the importance of personal health, wellness, and living a healthy lifestyle, while testing for coronary artery disease, we hope to preempt the premature death or damage caused by a major heart attack here at the Sheriff’s Office, Captain Don Hendricks, said. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers dying on the job from heart disease, is on the rise nationally.

According to an article from the National Business Group on Health, the average total cost of a severe heart attack—including direct and indirect costs—is about $1 million. Direct costs include charges for hospitals, doctors and prescription drugs, while the indirect costs include lost productivity and time away from work. The average cost of a less severe heart attack is about $760,000. Amortized over 20 years, that's $50,000 per year for a severe heart attack and $38,000 per year for a less severe heart attack.

Maintaining productivity, helping employees keep healthcare costs low(er) and investing in our employees is what CARE is all about, Captain Hendricks, said.

CARE will be achieved by conducting the following health screenings:
Health Risk Questionnaire
Bio-metric Screening
Coronary Calcium Score (every 3-5 years)
Cardiac Stress Test

Health screenings will be offered to employees of the Sheriff's Office, that are:
Female, 45-years-old or older
Male, 35-years-old or older
A person of any age or gender diagnosed with diabetes
And those who voluntarily choose to participate (the emphasis is on sworn employees and those who meet the above criteria, but any employee will be accepted into CARE)

The program is funded primarily through a Justice Assistance Grant (provided by the U.S. Department of Justice), with additional funding from the agency’s budget, if needed.

“The health and well being of our employees is an investment we value equal to the training and tools they require to perform at a high level in their duties, for the citizens of Mesa County,” Sheriff Rebecca Spiess, said. “We have this unique opportunity to provide a specialized program in health prevention for both sworn and civilian employees, which aligns with the innovative and community focus of Community Hospital.” She went on to say, “I believe CARE is going to save lives!”

Community Hospital and the CARE program have a mission to improve the health and quality of life of the employees through education and prevention, individual risk-reduction, health coaching/care management and behavior change programs, Captain Hendricks and Connie Mack of Community Hospital, said. A more modern trend in human resources is that companies want better relationships with their employees, whom they consider to be their greatest assets. That philosophy is no different at the Sheriff's Office, according to Captain Hendricks.

Keeping the citizens of Mesa County safe, and the men and women who protect and patrol the community we all live in, safe and healthy is a top priority of this agency, both Sheriff Spiess and Captain Hendricks, said. He went on to say, "we are excited and eager to implement CARE."

Friday, August 1, 2014

Weekly Arrest Wrap-Up

Weapons, Drugs & Theft

Russell Lyles
Mesa County, Colo. -- Various arrests from the last few days include many felony charges. As always, for information on inmate currently in the Mesa County Detention Facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

Patrol deputies located a vehicle reported stolen at the Mesa County Landfill just before noon on July 30, 2014. The driver of the stolen vehicle was identified as, Russell Lyles, 46, of Grand Junction, and the suspect associated with the vehicle theft. Russell was booked into the jail on charges associated with burglary and first degree aggravated motor vehicle theft. He remains in jail on a $1,500, cash only bond.
Justin Oakes
    On July 30, a handgun was reported stolen from the 2900 block of Dawn Drive, Grand Junction. Information provided to patrol deputies through the course of the investigation led them to the home of Justin Oakes, 28, of Grand Junction, also on the same block as the victim in this case. Deputies were able to retrieve the stolen handgun from the home of Justin, who was then charged with possession of a weapon by a previous offender and possession of 2-6 ounces of marijuana.
      Joshua Garcia
    Need extra funds? Just use your brother's debit and credit cards. Wrong. That's what Joshua Garcia, 26, of Clifton, is suspected of doing. The victim, stated his brother Joshua, was staying with him at the time his debit and credit cards went missing from his wallet and multiple charges were accrued without the victim's knowledge. Joshua was released from jail on a $3,000, personal recognizance bond. He is next scheduled to appear in court on August 4, at 8 a.m., for this case.
    Steven Cordova
      Steven Cordova made his fourth booking into the Mesa County Detention Facility on July 31, for this year. Deputies with the Street Crimes Unit arrested Steven in the 400 block of Topaz Drive, Clifton, about 7:30 p.m. after deputies located Steven whom they knew to have an active warrant for his arrest. They made contact with him, confirmed his identity and arrested him on the active warrant. Steven was also on bond from a previous felony drug arrest by deputies, so he was booked into the jail on violation of bail bond conditions, along with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He remains in jail at this time held on a $1,000, cash only bond.
      William Lage
        William Lage, 56, of Clifton, told deputies late on the night July 31, that he discharged a .22 caliber pistol into the air to scare people away. This occurred in the area of the 3200 block of Rood Avenue, Clifton. William was booked into the jail on charges of felony menacing, prohibited use of a weapon and reckless endangerment. It is believed that William was intoxicated from alcohol at the time. He has since posted a $3,000, cash or surety bond and is next scheduled to appear in court on this case August 7, at 8 a.m.

        For other information about happenings in our County, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopbeat and #MesaCounty.