Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Adult Step-Son Charged With Attempted Murder Of Father

Joseph McCaleb, 33, of Collbran

Deputies Responded To Crash, Charged Step-Son With Attempted Murder

Mesa County, Colo. -- Just before noon yesterday, deputies responded to a reported vehicle crash south of Collbran, on the Grand Mesa. The vehicle had traveled off 59 Road, down a steep embankment, being stopped by an irrigation ditch. The driver, John McKitrick, 50, was contacted on scene by deputies and transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries consistent with the crash.

In the town of Collbran, deputies also contacted, Joseph McCaleb, 33, who is suspected of having been in the crash and leaving the crash scene prior to deputies arriving. Deputies arrested Joseph on suspicion of intentionally jerking the steering wheel causing the vehicle to crash. Joseph was medically cleared at an area hospital and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on felony charges of attempted second degree murder, criminal attempt and criminal mischief, along with an additional misdemeanor criminal mischief charge.

For bond information, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

Mesa County criminal justice leaders win $150,000 grant

MESA COUNTY WINS MACARTHUR FOUNDATION GRANT

WORK WILL FOCUS ON JAIL POPULATION & MENTAL HEALTH 

MacArthur’s $75M Safety and Justice Challenge supports innovation in criminal justice systems

Mesa County, Colo. – The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation today announced that Mesa County is one of 20 jurisdictions nationwide to receive a $150,000 grant to create a more effective local justice system. The grant is part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, the Foundation’s $75 million initiative to reduce over-incarceration by changing the way jails are used. Mesa County criminal justice entities, law enforcement, judges and others will use the financial support to work toward expanding municipal sentencing options and providing more mental health options.

Mesa County criminal justice partners were chosen following a highly competitive selection process that drew applications from nearly 200 jurisdictions from 45 states. The Safety and Justice Challenge competition supports jurisdictions across the country seeking to create local justice systems that improve public safety, save taxpayer money and yield more effective outcomes for those in the criminal justice system. The 20 jurisdictions selected will work with expert consultants to develop a plan for local justice system improvements. In 2016, as many as 10 of these jurisdictions will receive a second round of funding – between $500,000 to $2 million annually – to implement their plans over two years.

“Nearly 200 diverse jurisdictions responded to our challenge, reflecting nationwide interest in reducing over-incarceration,” said Julia Stasch, MacArthur Foundation president. “Each of the sites selected has demonstrated the motivation, collaboration and commitment needed to make real change in their local justice systems. We hope their local efforts will model effective and safe alternatives to the incarceration status quo for the rest of the country.”

Despite growing national attention to the large number of Americans confined in state and federal prisons, significantly less attention has been paid to local detention and justice systems, where the criminal justice system primarily operates and functions. Jail populations have more than tripled since the 1980s, as have cumulative expenditures related to the building and operation of jails.

"Mesa County is very excited and deeply honored to be chosen by the MacArthur Foundation to participate in the Safety and Justice Challenge," Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis, said. "We are fortunate in Mesa County to enjoy quality working relationships across our local justice system and to have members who are committed to affecting positive change.

"We believe that commitment, our collaboration and the support provided by the grant present a real opportunity to make lasting, positive changes. We hope to ensure our local justice system is using our jail in the most just and efficient way possible, while still ensuring the safety of our community."

About 70 percent of Mesa County's jail population is awaiting trial. Municipal judges also are limited in sentencing options. Through the grant, local partners will focus on expanding sentencing options to better fit the nature of the offense. That should allow officials to focus on addressing substance abuse and mental health issues. Jail inmates who have access to quality mental health care following a jail sentence are more likely to remain stable, ultimately reducing recidivism and long-term jail population.

For more information on the Safety and Justice Challenge, visit www.SafetyandJusticeChallenge.org.

About the MacArthur Foundation

The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, the Foundation works to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology affects children and society. More information about the Foundation’s work, including in the justice field, is available at www.macfound.org.

Media Contact: Heather Benjamin, Mesa County Sheriff's Office, PH: (970) 244-3929

Friday, May 22, 2015

Recent Meth Arrests In Mesa County

Interstate Interdiction & Citizen Report Of Drunk Driver Net Meth Off The Streets

William Gannon, 44
2014 MCSO Photo
Mesa County, Colo. -- William Gannon, 44, of Grand Junction, was arrest just before 11 p.m., last night on suspicion of drunk driving, driving under restraint/suspended license, open container of alcohol in the vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, open container of marijuana in the vehicle and possession of methamphetamine. Dispatch received a call about a possible drunk driver in the area of 29 1/2 Road and Parkway Drive, described to be William Gannon. Followed by another call to dispatch reporting a male suspect causing problems at a residence in the 500 block of Beverly Lane.

Deputies contacted William inside his vehicle on Beverly Lane, where they observed him with multiple conditions to support him being intoxicated. In addition, deputies located 14 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a glass pipe commonly used to smoke meth, two hypodermic needles, commonly used for illegal narcotic consumption and more. William was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility. Updated bond information can be obtained on the Inmate Inquiry System website after he makes first appearance, today.
Lloyd Cordova, 32

Interdiction deputies on Interstate 70, conducted a traffic stop at 4 p.m. yesterday, at mile marker 15, eastbound. The driver was identified as Lloyd Cordova, 32, of California, who was found to have a criminal drug history, to include burglary and financial crimes. He also does not possess a valid driver's license and was operating the vehicle at the time deputies stopped it. 

The passenger was identified as Shahram Malakooti, 31, of California. A trained drug detection dog was used around the outside of the vehicle the men were in, and the dog indicated positively to the odor of drugs. Ultimately, 663 grams of methamphetamine was located in the vehicle. That amount of meth is consistent with distribution and far more than personal use, the deputy noted in the arrest affidavit.

Shahram Malakooti, 31
In addition, financial scanning devices, financial card making devices and credit cards with different names were located inside the vehicle. Both men were booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to criminal possession of forgery devices, counterfeiting criminal forgery devices, unlawfully manufacturing financial devices, possession of drug paraphernalia and distribution of methamphetamine. Lloyd was additionally charged with identity theft, a signaling violation and driving under restraint.

Bond information can be obtained through the Inmate Inquiry System website following first appearance in court schedule for later today.


Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Deputies & SARC Rescue Three Trucks Stuck In Mud

Skinny Ridge Mud Bogging, Three Stuck Overnight

Three truck rescue
location marked in red.
Mesa County, Colo. -- Just before 11 p.m., last night, deputies were dispatched to three trucks stuck in the mud at Skinny Ridge. The trucks and drivers were directly north of the Grand Junction Regional Airport on public land. No trucks were damaged, but we suspect a few egos were bruised.
Rural Area Deputy truck with
2014 spring mud on it.
Evidence on scene of the rescue show one truck was originally stuck and the driver called for assistance. A second truck and driver arrived, attempted to get the first truck unstuck, only to become bogged down in the mud, as well. Those drivers contacted a third driver and truck for a self rescue attempt. That too was unsuccessful and dispatch was reached about 10:50 p.m.

Deputies and Search & Rescue ATV volunteers responded to the area at the base of the towering Bookcliffs to our north and located all three trucks. All the trucks were pulled out of the mud and everyone was able to return home, muddy, but unscathed.

People enjoying the outdoors and adventure areas Mesa County has to offer, should be prepared to spend the night in the outdoors and prepare/pack accordingly. While cell phone service worked for this group, it doesn't always and there should be an alternate emergency plan when headed out, such as advising a third party of your destination and time of return.

The Mesa County Sheriff does not charge for search and rescue missions. We want to encourage everyone to call for assistance as soon as possible, report overdue outdoor adventurers right away and don't attempt to self rescue each other. We have well trained and experienced search & rescue members and deputies, don't hesitate to utilize them.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Do You Recognize This Man?

Help Us Put A Name To This Face

Do you recognize this man?
If so, call: (970) 244-3263

Initial ID Of Man Has Been Determined



Mesa County, Colo. -- On May 21, the primary investigator working to identify the man in the photo believes he found the man's family. And, has been able to obtain a name and date of birth for the man. That information has been provided to the Mesa County Coroner who will work to make positive identification and official notification to the man's next of kin.

A poster asking the public for help in identifying his was circulated on social media, and eventually reached people in and outside of the Country, who recognized him. Without the proactive responses from our social media followers, the appropriate closure to this case would not have happened so quickly.

Body Of Adult Male Found In Canal, Needs To Be Identified


Previously Released on May 17, 2015 -- On May 11, 2015, a public notice was released asking the public for assistance in identifying a deceased adult male recovered in Mesa County, on Sunday, May 10. A cell phone was recovered with the body and on it, was this image. We believe this photo is a selfie of the deceased man.

Investigators and the Mesa County Coroner are asking law enforcement agencies nationwide, as well as the community locally, for assistance in trying to identify the body of the deceased man found in the canal in the area of 14 and P Roads, Loma.

The man is described as between the age of 20 and 40 years old, 5'10" tall, weighing about 175 pounds. He has dark brown or black hair that is more than 12 inches long. Both ears are pierced, he has a number of tattoos which are all located on his back. The tattoos include three names: Alex, Clara and Janitzio (all on his back). Most notably he has the image of a Grimm Reaper and an image of Jesus, also only his back. Other than his back, he has a barb wire tattoo on his left wrist and a small tattoo on his left ring finger.

The man was wearing black lace-up work boots, wore a wedding style ring on his left thumb and was wearing blue jeans, when his body was recovered from the canal. Anyone with information about who this man might be, should call Investigator Pete Burg at, (970) 244-3263.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Interstate 70 Bust Nets More Than 4 Pounds Cocaine

Interstate Interdiction Deputy Gets Cocaine Off Streets

Cocaine & packaging found in rental car,
driven by Timothy Prater.
Mesa County, Colo. -- On Thursday evening, when most people are just getting home from work or sitting down to the dinner table, deputies and officers contacted a rental vehicle and it's driver in a parking lot, on Horizon Drive, Grand Junction. The driver of the rental car was identified as, Timothy Prater, 53, of Silverthorne, Colorado.

According to a criminal history search, Timothy has an extensive past, which includes trafficking narcotic drugs and cultivating marijuana. Cocaine was located in his travel bag, inside the rental vehicle. The cocaine amount was 4.4 pounds, which has a street value of approximately $200,000.00.

Timothy Prater was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related distribution of a schedule I/II drug--cocaine, special circumstances of importing a schedule I/II drug and driving with an obstructed windshield. 

A booking photo is currently not available of Timothy, and he received a $50,000 cash only bond today. For updated information on any inmate currently in our jail, visit the Inmate Inquiry website.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Do You Recognize This Woman?

Woman Returned Items Purchased With Stolen Credit Card

Mesa County, Colo. -- Investigators are trying to identify the woman in these store surveillance photos. She has a distinctive large tattoo on her left shoulder. The woman in these photos returned purchased items to a local retail store that were originally purchased with a stolen credit card.

If you know the name of the woman in these photos, please call Investigator Craig Tyer, at: (970) 244-3919 or private message us on Facebook.

Recognized By Employer Support Of The Guard & Reserve

L to R: Chuck with ESGR, Barry Hernandez,
Sheriff Lewis and Lou with ESGR.

MCSO Employee & National Guardsman, Recognize Sheriff & Co-Workers

Mesa County, Colo. -- On Wednesday, National Guardsman Sgt. Barry Hernandez presented Sheriff Matt Lewis and Detention staff with a certificate recognizing the agency's ongoing support of current guard and reserve soldiers, who are also employees within the agency.

Sgt. Hernandez is also known within the Sheriff's Office as Alternative Sentencing Unit Officer, Barry Hernandez. He had started with our agency in 2013 and a few months later deployed to the front range of Colorado with his National Guard unit. The unit was sent to Lyons, Colorado, for assistance with the flooding. That prompted Barry to put then Undersheriff and more recently Sheriff, Rebecca Spiess, into the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization for recognition.

That recognition came on Wednesday with a plaque for former Sheriff Rebecca Spiess. Sheriff Lewis will forward the plaque on to her, as she is currently employed with the Colorado Department of Public Safety as Executive Deputy Director. Sheriff Lewis also accepted a certificate signed by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to the Detention staff, the division that Barry is employed under. The certificate will be hung with honor in the Detention Division.

Free Community Class For Parents

Drug Trends Summer Prep Class for Parents

Upcoming FREE Community Class Sponsored by Mesa County Sheriff’s Office



Mesa County, Colo. -- The monthly Safe Teens America class is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at 6:30 p.m., at the Mesa County Main Library in downtown Grand Junction (433 N 6th St.).

This month the class topic is Drug Trends Summer Prep Class for Parents. Chad Williams will be discussing the latest drug trends, including the evolution of heroin, and what to look out for this summer. He will also review the latest trends in the e-cigarettes and Vape Pen culture that is sweeping through our teen communities.

This class seeks to educate teens and parents on the dangers of drugs that are becoming increasingly more popular in schools, college campuses and night clubs. This month's class is limited to the first 150 participants due to limited seating.

Media Note: Chad Williams is available for pre-class interviews starting today. Please contact him directly to set that up.


Chad Williams, Director
Neural Activity / Safe Teens America
www.safeteensamerica.org
www.neuralactivity.org

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

SWAT Training On Friday At Local Rifle Range

SWAT Training At Local Rifle Range, This Friday

SWAT Rifle Training: July 2014

Public Notice Only

Mesa County, Colo. -- From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Friday, May 15, the Sheriff's Office SWAT Team will be using the U. S. Bureau of Land Management's rifle range for specialized training. The rifle range will not be closed to the public. In addition, training signs will be posted in the area of the rifle range to notify citizens of the SWAT training event.

The BLM rifle range is located north on 27 1/4 Road, near the bookcliffs.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Found Body Unidentified

Body Of Adult Male Found In Canal, Needs To Be Identified


Updated information on this investigation can be found, here.

Mesa County, Colo. -- Investigators and the Mesa County Coroner are asking law enforcement agencies nationwide, as well as the community locally, for assistance in trying to identify the body of the deceased man found in the canal on Sunday, May 10. Deputies recovered the adult male from the canal in the area of 14 and P Roads, Loma.

The man is described as between the age of 20 and 40 years old, 5'10" tall, weighing about 175 pounds. He has dark brown or black hair that is more than 12 inches long. Both ears are pierced, he has a number of tattoos, including the names of multiple people. Most notably he has the image of a Grimm Reaper tattooed on his back, along with the image of Jesus tattooed on his back.

The man was wearing black lace-up work boots, wore a wedding style ring on his left thumb and was wearing blue jeans, when his body was recovered from the canal. Anyone with information about who this man might be, should call Inv. Pete Burg at, (970) 244-3263.

Man Runs Across Airport Runway

Man Claims He Was Shot, Only Evidence Of Drug Use

Mesa County, Colo. -- Just after noon today, deputies were dispatched to the desert area around 27 1/4 Road and skirting the Grand Junction Regional Airport. The initial call into dispatch was for an adult male running toward the airport being chased and possibly shots fired at him.
Peter Hild, 52
of Englewood, CO

Officers with the Grand Junction Police Department contacted the male, at the BLM Dispatch Center, located on the grounds of the airport. The man was identified as Jamie Sheeks, 28, of Grand Junction, and he had a cut on his leg, likely from the barbed wire fencing surrounding the airport that he is believed to have run through.

Jamie Sheeks, 28
April 2015 Booking Photo
Deputies, along with a BLM Ranger, searched the desert area west and north of the airport for any possible shooters and vehicles matching the description given by Jamie. Deputies located Peter Hild, 52, of Englewood, in an area directly north of the airport. Peter claimed to be a known associate of Jamie's. There was no evidence found that a shooting incident had occurred. Rather, Peter was arrested and charged with crimes associated with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

A formal list of booking charges can be found on the Inmate Inquiry System webpage. A previous booking photo of Jamie, from April 2015, is provided here. Jamie was booked on a Fugitive from Justice warrant.

Bond information for both, will likely be available tomorrow afternoon and can also be found on the Inmate Inquiry System webpage, once it's set. The airport reports, the incident had no impact on airport operations.

Weekend Round-Up Of Patrol Activities

Weekend Round-Up

Deputy Orr (L) and a Mesa County
Search & Rescue Water Team volunteer (R)

Deputies Recovered Body From Canal, SARC Assisted With Medical Call & 9 Domestic Violence Jail Bookings


Mesa County, Colo. -- Shortly after 9 a.m. on Sunday, deputies responded to a canal with a reported adult male body caught in debris trap near 14 and P Roads, Loma. The body was found by a canal employee driving the access road.

The Mesa County Deputy Coroner responded to the scene and assisted in removing the body from the canal. As is standard in unattended death investigations, it is the Coroner's responsibility to determine cause and manner of death, along with the identity of the person. Once that is complete, next of kin will be notified.

The male does not match any current missing person reports established with our agency. This case will remain active, open and on-going.

SARC FB Link
Mesa County Search & Rescue members along with deputies, Lower Valley Fire Department members and Colorado National Park rangers responded to an injured hiker who fell about 30 feet at the base of Independence Monument. This location is inside the Colorado National Monument and occurred on the night of Friday, May 8. 

The patient was rescued, removed from the Monument, and deputies and Search & Rescue members were then demobilized. The rain and weather were their biggest challenge that night.

All law enforcement in Mesa County booked suspects into the Mesa County Detention Facility. From Friday through Sunday, nine bookings were on domestic violence related charges. For local resources, visit the Mesa County Domestic Violence Task Force Facebook page.


Thursday, May 7, 2015

Wanted Man Arrested On New Drug Charges

Deputies Arrest Man With Warrants, New Drug Charges

Jeffrey Nolen, 31, of GJ
Mesa County, Colo. -- Overnight, deputies contacted Jeffrey Nolen, 31, of Grand Junction, in the area of Bookcliff Avenue and Kirby Lane. Jeffrey was wanted on two outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court on previous charges.

A small baggie of suspected methamphetamine was located in his front pants pocket, along with a concealed 10 inch knife in his belongings and a hypodermic needle commonly used for intravenous drug use.

He was charged with criminal impersonation, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest and obstruction. He will be arraigned this afternoon on the new charges and currently has two cash only bonds for the FTA warrants. Update on his bond, as well as anyone currently in our facility, can be found on the Inmate Inquiry website.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Knives On Recent Patrol Arrests

Separate Incidents, Separate Arrests

John Laffey, 28, of Fruita
Photo: Circa 2013
Mesa County, Colo. -- Yesterday evening, a deputy was called to a convenience store on 32 Road, for a report of a man who had locked himself inside the men's bathroom and was possibly being destructive. According to the store clerk, the man had been in the bathroom for an hour and could be heard yelling.

The first deputy on-scene spoke through the door to the male in the bathroom, identifying himself as law enforcement. The man inside the bathroom made comments to the deputy that were threatening and the deputy believed he would be assaulted by the male when he exited the bathroom. 

The deputy exercised a great deal of restraint with the man during initial contact outside the bathroom door. The deputy was able to take the man into custody, who was identified as John Laffey, 28, of Fruita. John had a razor blade in his hand when he exited the bathroom and a knife was located inside the bathroom, which the store clerk had seen John take into the bathroom with him. Deputies were also aware of an active warrant John had for his arrest, issued out of Douglas County.

John was suspected of damaging the toilet plunger and removing the toilet seat in the men's bathroom, in the convenience store. He was also not cooperative with deputies when they tried to place him in their vehicle for transport to the Mesa County Detention Facility.  He was booked into the jail on charges related to the active warrant, assault, resisting arrest and obstruction.

John received a $25,000 cash only bond and remains in our facility. He is next scheduled to appear in court on May 12, at 8:15 a.m. To view updated inmate information on him or any inmate currently in our facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

Stephanie Amos, 25,
of Grand Junction
Last night, just before 10 p.m., deputies were called to a residence on Dawn Court, Grand Junction, for a report of domestic violence. Stephanie Amos, 25, was arrested on domestic violence related charges, along with felony menacing and criminal mischief. Deputies suspect her of using two separate knives and a hammer to try and get entry into a vehicle. She told her husband she couldn't find the  keys and broke two knives while trying to make entry into the car. She also is suspected of breaking the glass frame to the household oven with the hammer.

Stephanie was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility and received a $3,000 PR bond today, and has since been released from the jail. She is scheduled to appear in court next on May 12, at 8:15 a.m.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Recent Arrests Recapped

Recent MCSO Arrests Recapped

A summary of recent arrests conducted by deputies in Mesa County, Colorado.

Kevin Pirtle, 24
  • On May 4, deputies located Kevin Pirtle, 24, in a shed located at a residence in the 2900 block of Patterson Road, Grand Junction. Kevin was in the process of using an intravenous drug when deputies contacted him just before 5 a.m. The packaged weight of methamphetamine located inside the shed was more than 16 grams. The total weight of the heroin located in the shed was 49.5 grams, in addition to drug paraphernalia. In addition to drug possession charges, he was wanted on a felony parole violation warrant and is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on a no bond parole hold.
Bobby Romero, 35
    Kyle Fay, 24
  • Deputies conducting a traffic stop in the 2900 block of B 1/2 Road, on April 29, at around 1:15 p.m., contacted two juvenile females and two adult males in the truck. Bobby Romero, 35, of Grand Junction, was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charged related to allowing an unlicensed person to drive, harboring a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. 
Kyle Fay, 24, homeless, was also charged with harboring a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Both men are suspected of providing and smoking marijuana with the 14 and 17 year old girls, the night before. Bobby was released from jail on a $7,500 PR bond, scheduled to appear in court next on May 12, at 8:30 a.m. Kyle, who was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility 4 times in 2014 and 2 times in 2015, received two PR bonds totalling $8,500. He is next scheduled to appear in court on May 12, at 8:30 a.m. and May 18, at 8 a.m.
Bryan Johnson, 38
  • On April 29, Bryan Johnson, 38, of Clifton, was arrested by deputies on charges related to criminal impersonation, possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and two active warrants out of Moffat County, Colorado.
    Travis Cole, 24
  • Travis Cole, 24, of Grand Junction, was arrested on April 29, in the area of 32 and D 1/2 Roads, around 7:30 p.m. Deputies contacted a male and female who appeared to be yelling, with the male possibly harassing the female who was pushing a stroller with a small child in it. Travis was ultimately charged with possession of a schedule I/II drug, suspected to be psilocybin mushrooms. He received a $1,000 PR bond and has since been released from the Mesa County Detention Facility.
Michael Dufresne, 33
  • Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 3100 block of Cripple Creek Court, Grand Junction, for a possible assist/courtesy transport. Deputies contacted Michael Dufresne, 33, who admitted to using methamphetamine earlier in the day, a used hypodermic needle was located in his pant's pocket and .4 grams of suspected meth was located with him. Ultimately, he was charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine. He received a $5,000 PR bond and is scheduled to appear in court next on May 11, at 8 a.m.

Monday, May 4, 2015

Man Surrenders To SWAT Team, Without Incident

Joseph J. Morrison, 41, of Clifton

Clifton Man Surrenders To SWAT Team, Charged With Sex Crime

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies were dispatched to a reported sex assault shortly after 6 a.m. this morning, on Tracy Drive, in Clifton. Through the course of investigation, the suspect was identified as Joseph Jeffrey Morrison, 41.

Joseph was previously booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility twice in April 2015, on methamphetamine related charges. He was charged with one count of sexual assault on an at-risk adult, today. That charge is a class 2 felony. This case remains active and on-going, with additional charges likely.

Due to information from people who left the house and spoke with deputies on-scene, along with his criminal history, the Mesa County SWAT Team along with two of the agency's negotiators, were called to Tracy Drive shortly after noon. Ultimately, Joseph exited the residence without incident and was taken into custody. He currently is being held without bond.

Bond updates, along with information about any inmate currently in facility, can be found on our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.


National Correctional Officers' Week 2015

This Week We Honor Those In Our Detention Division

Mesa County, Colo. -- The year was 1906, when Deputy Edward Innes was hit over the head with a board by an inmate in the Mesa County Detention Facility. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan, dedicated the first week of May to those guard the one people in jail and prison. 

This week, Sheriff Matt Lewis, recognizes the daily professionalism of our Detention staff and pays tribute to fallen jailer, Deputy Innes. May his sacrifice never be forgotten.

This morning, the Mesa County Commissioners honored our local deputies and jail staff with a proclamation honoring and recognizing the hard working detention staff in the Mesa County Detention Facility.

This afternoon, Deputy Caleb Harper, along with Captain Art Smith and Sheriff Lewis, placed a wreath in the jail lobby with Deputy Innes' photo. This short ceremony was intended to never forget Deputy Innes' sacrifice. The wreath will be placed on his grave site at the end of this week, in the Orchard Mesa Cemetery.

The history about Deputy Edward Innes, is listed below...

On September 26, 1906, Deputy Edward Innes was struck from behind with a piece of kindling and became the first and only Mesa County law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty. Inmate George McGarvey, jailed since April 1, 1906 on charges of attempting to criminally assault a nine year old girl, used the attack on Innes to escape the Mesa County Jail.  28-year old Innes passed away the following day.

McGarvey, captured by DeBeque rancher William McDowell on September 30, was tried on October 3, convicted on October 4 and sentenced to death by hanging on October 5, 1906. A swift justice for what was described as one of the foulest deeds enacted in Grand Junction.

Edward Innes, a resident of Grand Junction since the age of four, was the only child of William and Lucy Innes. Edward’s father was the first elected Sheriff of the newly formed Mesa County from 1885 to 1886. Edward was Chief of the Grand Junction Fire Department for several years prior to his employment in the Mesa County Jail. When William Innes passed away November 28, 1926, it was noted that Edward was “named to the responsible position of Undersheriff.” No other mention of this title has been found.

Although Edward never married and had no children, descendants of the Innes clan can be found throughout the country, including Harold Daniels of Grand Junction whose mother Josie was Edward’s cousin. Harold and his wife Claudelle attended Edward Innes’ induction into the Colorado Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial on May 5, 2000 at the Colorado State Patrol Academy.  

Several years later, the request was made to add Edward Innes to the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial. The request was granted on February 13, 2007. The name of Edward Innes was unveiled on May 13, 2007 at the 19th annual candlelight vigil as part of the National Police Week celebration in Washington, D.C.  

As referred to by family and friends of Edward in a Daily Sentinel article dating September 28, 1906 – His character was above reproach, his disposition was such that drew to him readily warm friends that never wavered in their regard for him. True hearted, high and noble in his impulses and faithful to his friends there is little wonder that he was popular and there is little wonder the entire city should be stirred with indignation and anger over his tragic death at the hands of the vilest of criminals that was ever confined in a Mesa County prison.